Unidentified drone crashes in Jordan: Timeline and full details

An unidentified drone crashed in the Ma'in area of Madaba Governorate, southern Jordan, on Friday evening, prompting widespread discussion on social media. According to an official statement by the Jordanian Armed Forces – Arab Army, the incident sparked a limited fire in a forested mountainous area but caused no human casualties.

Below is a full timeline of the incident, which began at approximately 8:00 PM local time:

• Jordanian military authorities detected the entry of an unidentified drone into Jordanian airspace.
• A loud explosion was heard in the Ma'in area located about 58 kilometers south of Amman.
• Debris from the drone began falling in a remote forested area in Ma'in, igniting a fire in nearby brush. Social media users shared images and videos showing flames and rising smoke.
• Civil Defense teams, the Jordanian Armed Forces, and other concerned authorities rushed to the scene.
• Specialized teams worked to extinguish the fire, while a military engineering unit was dispatched to examine the site and identify the nature of the aerial object.
• The Jordanian Armed Forces later issued an official statement confirming that an unidentified drone had entered Jordanian airspace and crashed in Ma'in.
• The statement emphasized that there were no casualties, and the resulting fire was contained.
• Authorities urged citizens to stay away from the site and report any suspicious objects.

Nidal Abu Ali, Director of the Ma'in Hot Springs Resort, told Roya that the fire broke out far from the main waterfall, public picnic areas, and tourist facilities.

Government spokesperson and Minister of Government Communication, Mohammad Al-Momani, affirmed Jordan’s capacity to protect its national interests and remain distant from regional conflicts.

Momani confirmed that no lives were lost and reiterated Jordan’s commitment to national security, stating that Jordan remains resilient in the face of threats and challenges.

He also called on the public to rely on official sources for information and avoid circulating unverified news or approaching dangerous areas.

The minister added that the fire caused material damage to the forested region, but Civil Defense and military personnel responded with professionalism and efficiency.

Momani highlighted Jordan’s longstanding resilience during times of crisis, crediting the wisdom of its leadership, the unity of its people, and the strength of its institutions.

He concluded by stressing the government’s commitment to reinforcing stability and national unity as Jordan continues to confront regional and international challenges with courage and confidence.