In an interview with Al-Rai newspaper on Sunday, King Abdullah II condemned what he called “frequent attacks” on Jordan’s borders by “militias linked to Iran.”
Jordan “does not desire problems in the area,” King Abdullah declared, calling for “a change in Iran’s behavior.” Jordan’s King made the statements in reference to fatal skirmishes with drug smugglers on the Syrian border.
“Jordan, like the rest of the Arab countries, wishes excellent relations with Iran, based on mutual respect, good neighborliness, respect for other governments’ sovereignty, and non-interference in their affairs,” the king said in the interview, which was published by the state news agency Petra.
“Drug and arms smuggling operations pose a threat to us and our Arab neighbors.” Smuggling has reached Arab and European countries,” he continued.
“Our security forces are vigilant, competent, and loyal, and Jordan is capable of repelling any attack on its borders,” the monarch added.
Jordan, according to King Abdullah II, is continuing to work with other countries in order to confront this regional and global threat.
He went on to say that the repercussions of the Syrian situation are numerous and terrible, necessitating a comprehensive approach.
“Resolving it demands a comprehensive political solution that tackles all of its consequences, ends the suffering of the Syrian people, establishes the conditions for voluntary return of refugees, and restores security and stability in Syria,” King Abdullah II added.
The Jordanian army regularly performs anti-smuggling operations along the border with Syria, where Iran-backed forces defend the Damascus regime in a civil war that erupted in 2011.
Amman stated on January 27 that its authorities murdered 27 drug traffickers aided by armed groups and seized a considerable amount of cocaine. Earlier that month, a border guard and an officer were slain in a similar fight.
According to drug trafficking watchdogs, the increasingly popular amphetamine-style stimulant captagon is manufactured in government-controlled areas of Syria and sold nearly entirely in the Middle East.
Jordan’s response to the COVID-19 epidemic, the crisis between Russia and Ukraine, the country’s overall economy, and the Palestinian cause were all mentioned by King Abudllah II.
During his interview, he also commended Saudi Arabia on the Jeddah Summit, saying it “reflected the centrality of the Palestinian struggle as a priority, as well as the level of collaboration among Arab countries.”
Source: AFP and Arab News