Jordan strikes smuggling sites in southern Syria to curb drugs, arms flow

AMMAN — The Jordanian Armed Forces carried out airstrikes early Sunday targeting suspected drug and arms smuggling sites along the northern border in southern Syria, according to the Petra.The military said the operation hit facilities and warehouses used as launch points for smuggling operations into Jordan, adding that the targets were identified through intelligence and destroyed in precision strikes.The move comes amid an increase in smuggling attempts, with authorities saying the action aims to prevent the flow of narcotics and weapons into the Kingdom.Syrian state broadcaster Al-Ikhbariya TV, citing sources, reported that Jordanian warplanes struck a site believed to contain weapons and drugs in Shahba village in Suwayda province.The strikes also reportedly targeted areas near a former state security branch, with drone activity and ambulance movements observed.Jordan has conducted similar operations in recent years against trafficking networks along its border with Syria.The strikes come as Syria’s transitional government, led by President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, works to strengthen security following the ouster of former president Bashar al-Assad in late 2024.AMMAN — The Jordanian Armed Forces carried out airstrikes early Sunday targeting suspected drug and arms smuggling sites along the northern border in southern Syria, according to the Petra.The military said the operation hit facilities and warehouses used as launch points for smuggling operations into Jordan, adding that the targets were identified through intelligence and destroyed in precision strikes.The move comes amid an increase in smuggling attempts, with authorities saying the action aims to prevent the flow of narcotics and weapons into the Kingdom.Syrian state broadcaster Al-Ikhbariya TV, citing sources, reported that Jordanian warplanes struck a site believed to contain weapons and drugs in Shahba village in Suwayda province.The strikes also reportedly targeted areas near a former state security branch, with drone activity and ambulance movements observed.Jordan has conducted similar operations in recent years against trafficking networks along its border with Syria.The strikes come as Syria’s transitional government, led by President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, works to strengthen security following the ouster of former president Bashar al-Assad in late 2024.