Jordan reveals details behind major destabilization plots

The Jordanian General Intelligence Directorate (GID) announced on Tuesday evening the uncovering of complex and dangerous plots, that began in 2021, targeting the country’s national security, arresting 16 individuals suspected of planning rocket and drone attacks.

The operation, which had been under continuous surveillance since 2021, exposed coordinated efforts to manufacture short-range missiles, build drones, and carry out sabotage inside the Kingdom. Authorities said the suspects had been developing and hiding weaponry including explosives, automatic firearms, and a fully assembled missile ready for use.

- Multi-pronged threat -

Government Spokesperson and Minister of Government Communication, Dr. Mohammad Al-Momani, detailed the scale and seriousness of the threat in a press briefing. He confirmed the case has been referred to the State Security Court, with the suspects now facing trial.

“The covert activities had been underway for nearly four years,” Momani said, describing it as a “multi-year threat to national security.”

He added, “The suspects developed short-range missiles with a range of 3 to 5 kilometers — a dangerous indicator of how far the plot had progressed.”

According to Momani, the case involves four interconnected cells that operated in parallel but coordinated through various means. Each group carried out specific tasks including weapons development, recruitment, and storage.

- Weapons and facilities discovered -

Among the most alarming findings were two storage facilities used to house explosive materials and weaponry. One of the sites had been fortified with concrete and featured hidden, locked rooms specifically built to store missiles.

Authorities confiscated quantities of highly explosive substances such as TNT, C4, and SEMTEX-H. The suspects had also imported components to aid in weapons manufacturing, circumventing regulations in the process.

One faction had successfully created the prototype for a short-range missile. Another was reportedly working on developing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), with at least four individuals receiving external support and training in the project.

- Recruitment and external links -

In addition to weapons development, the GID found that the suspects were actively recruiting and training individuals both within Jordan and abroad. Some were allegedly sent overseas for advanced preparation.

While the government has not named any foreign actors or nations connected to the operation, the existence of international training and logistical support points to a wider network beyond Jordan’s borders.

- Commitment to security -

Momani praised the vigilance of the GID in uncovering the plot, highlighting the agency’s role in protecting national stability.

“This case reflects Jordan’s firm commitment to confronting any attempt to destabilize the country,” he said.