Jordan arrests 16 over plot to threaten national security and build rockets

Jordan’s intelligence agency announced on Tuesday the arrest of 16 individuals accused of planning to undermine national stability through a series of dangerous operations. According to state-run Petra news agency, these arrests follow years of surveillance by the General Intelligence Department (GID), beginning in 2021.

Authorities say the suspects were involved in several illicit activities, including the production of rockets using both locally sourced and illegally imported materials. Other charges include the possession of explosives and weapons, concealment of a ready-to-launch rocket, plans to develop drones, and the recruitment and training of operatives both domestically and abroad. The case has now been referred to Jordan’s State Security Court for further legal action.

The Jordanian government has attributed the plot to individuals linked with so-called unlicensed political organizations, specifically pointing to the Muslim Brotherhood. The Islamist group was officially dissolved by Jordan’s judiciary in 2020. In response, the Brotherhood issued a statement rejecting the accusations as baseless and reaffirming their commitment to the country’s stability.

Though Jordan remains one of the more stable nations in a volatile region, it has faced previous attempts to breach its national security. Notably, in May of the previous year, authorities intercepted a foreign-backed operation that sought to smuggle weapons into the country. Officials emphasized that this was part of a broader pattern of ongoing vigilance required to prevent destabilizing acts.