While Amman claims to have thwarted a domestic weapons scheme, skepticism lingers, with some suggesting the narrative obscures underlying political tensions and the crackdown on Palestine solidarity.
Jordanian security forces have apprehended 16 individuals accused of involvement in a purported plot to manufacture rockets and drones, according to a statement released by government spokesperson Muhammad Al-Momani.
Jordanian authorities allege the individuals intended to “incite chaos and sabotage” within the Kingdom.
The General Intelligence Directorate, which had reportedly been monitoring the activities of the accused since 2021, stated that the alleged scheme involved the production of short-range rockets, possession of explosives and automatic weaponry, the concealment of a ready-to-use rocket, and a drone manufacturing project.
Additionally, the suspects are accused of recruiting and training individuals within Jordan and sending them for training abroad.
Details emerging from the investigation indicate that authorities uncovered underground storage facilities in Zarqa containing what they described as advanced weapons manufacturing equipment.
https://twitter.com/anadoluagency/status/1912279785868321125
The government further claims that one cell was involved in smuggling high-grade explosives, including TNT and C4, and automatic weapons into the country. Another individual is accused of hiding a Katyusha rocket in the capital.
In a notable development, state media aired confessions from at least one of the accused, who claimed to have met with a member of the Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood abroad to receive funds for transfer to another individual within the Kingdom.
A security source also alleged that the detainees had links to the Muslim Brotherhood, receiving training and funding in Lebanon with plans to attack domestic targets.
However, the Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood has vehemently denied any connection to the arrested individuals. In a statement issued by its political arm, the Islamic Action Front, the group asserted that any actions taken by the accused were individual initiatives motivated by support for the Palestinian resistance, stating they had no prior knowledge or involvement.
The Brotherhood also affirmed its commitment to national unity and peaceful means.
The timing of the arrests has drawn scrutiny, occurring amidst heightened public sentiment regarding the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza.
While the government insists the surveillance of the alleged plot predates the recent escalation, lawyer Abdul Qader Al-Khatib, representing two of the defendants, stated that one of his clients claimed the objective was to smuggle weapons to the West Bank, explicitly denying any intention to harm Jordanian national security.
Jordanian authorities have arrested 16 people over an alleged missile and drone plot, including a member of the Muslim Brotherhood
The suspects were accused of manufacturing weapons, importing explosives and plotting attacks within the kingdom https://t.co/w8rj3IfmBl
— The National (@TheNationalNews) April 15, 2025
Al-Khatib further reported that his client indicated Hamas elements had stressed that Jordan was a “red line,” with the intended target being “only the Zionist enemy.”
The cases have now been referred to the State Security Court. Charges levied against the accused include the felony of involvement in the unlawful manufacture of weapons and actions likely to disrupt public order.
The unfolding legal proceedings are expected to be closely watched, particularly for their potential impact on the already strained relationship between the Jordanian government and the Muslim Brotherhood.
Some observers anticipate a potential shift in the state’s approach towards the Islamist group and its political wing.
(AJA, PC, Jordanian Media)
This reeks of the involvement of a certain, 3-digit-acronym we always find hidden in the shadows. Callously Inciting Aggression.
Doesn’t mean these men are guilty of anything. Remember the 19 hijackers from 9/11? Most of them were never even there, their identities were stolen and used in the scheme to name an outside threat, when it was really the US government attacking itself. And, 9 of them were alive on 9/12. How’d that happen?
Israel collaborators and agents move weapon easily to Israel to support killings of Palestinians.
And here is a Muslim neighboring state that is under religious obligation to stop oppression against the besieged, starved oppressed neighbor.
They are neither stopping Israeli assaults nor helping the oppressed Palestinians defend these inhumane assaults.
Would they and their likes rather continue their funny normalization of ties with those killing our brothers and keep stopping those that strive to help reinforce our besieged brothers?
You can’t help arm those that need arms to defend their lives&properties and can’t stand others that chose to help arm them against oppression.
What a big ?
You may rest assured that the current Arab regimes will do nothing to help the Palestinians. In fact, I dare say that they pose more of a threat to Palestinians than the Zionists. the rulers of Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, UAE and others are merely puppets in the hands of the zios; the watchdogs that help “israel” secure its existance. This article is a testament to my claim. Furthermore, this incident reminds me of when the Jordanian air force helped defending “israel” during the Iranian attacks. As it is the case now, The same excuse of “protecting Jordan’s national security” was cited back then. It sounds suspecious when in both occassions the real target was the zionist entity, not Jordan.
Jordanian King is another PA creature: save the Nazi Zionists. Not a word about the vile desecrating Al-Aqsa Mosque and Ibrahimi Mosque.
“This is a blatant attack on the Islamic Waqf institution and a blatant attack on Jordan,” Sheikh Sabri reportedly stated.
— https://www.palestinechronicle.com/al-aqsa-desecrated-sheikh-sabri-denounces-jewish-settlers-storming-of-mosque/
https://www.palestinechronicle.com/ben-gvir-raids-ibrahimi-mosque-under-heavy-guard-amidst-muslim-worshipper-ban/