Jordan concerned about IS attacks after Mosul, Raqqa
AMMONNEWS - Jordan is increasingly concerned about flow of IS fighters near its territories following recent losses that the extremist group faced in Syria and Iraq, prompting security forces to boost border control and impose strict measures on key facilities, observers said today.
Recent loss of Mosul and an inevitable capture of IS capital in Syria, Raqqa is likely to herald a new twist in the regional turmoil, including flow of fighters from northern Syria to the south, near the Jordanian borders.
The army has announced zero tolerance for illegal border crossing, employing strict rules of engagement with any party attempting to enter the kingdom from Syria. Meanwhile, the US has provided Jordan with state of the art surveillance system to protect the 227 km borders, which helped stop several attempts of illegal border crossing.
Refugees are no longer permitted to enter the country, while authorities have helped set up refugee camps along the Syrian borders, but refugees in these camps complain against lack of proper services, water and basic food items.
'Jordan refuses to allow any refugees in its territories. We are subject to threats by IS and other groups while the international community is watching,' Abu Mohanad, an activist from Rakban refugee camp for Syrian refugees told ANSA by phone.
The kingdom currently plays a significant role in the fight against IS in Syria and sponsors several militant groups in southern Syria. Informed sources told ANSA that Jordan has in fact deployed intelligence and military experts across southern Syria in order to prevent infiltrations. Military expert Fares Kreishan said that recent developments in Syria indicate that IS would be forced to seek space in southern Syria, particularly near al Yarmouk valley, near the Jordanian-Israeli borders.
'IS allies near Jordan border has managed to attract numbers of young Syrians to its ranks due to the divisions within the Free Syria Army,' said Kreishan.
Jordan has sent warnings to IS and other groups to stay away from the border line or face retaliation.
Meanwhile, Syria foreign ministry has accused Jordan of 'sponsoring terrorist' groups in southern Syria, in light of attacks on Deraa city and bombings in Damascus that claimed lives of dozens.
The Syrian government lodged a complaint to the UN over perceived Jordanian role in its territories, but Amman denies such allegations.
'Jordan has genuine concerns about impact of recent losses for IS in Syria. The group could send fighters to the kingdom or possible escalation of fighting near its borders,' said Kreishan. Last year, IS carried out several attacks on key military and touristic locations amid concern that number of sympathizers with the group is on the rise.
*ANSA
AMMONNEWS - Jordan is increasingly concerned about flow of IS fighters near its territories following recent losses that the extremist group faced in Syria and Iraq, prompting security forces to boost border control and impose strict measures on key facilities, observers said today.
Recent loss of Mosul and an inevitable capture of IS capital in Syria, Raqqa is likely to herald a new twist in the regional turmoil, including flow of fighters from northern Syria to the south, near the Jordanian borders.
The army has announced zero tolerance for illegal border crossing, employing strict rules of engagement with any party attempting to enter the kingdom from Syria. Meanwhile, the US has provided Jordan with state of the art surveillance system to protect the 227 km borders, which helped stop several attempts of illegal border crossing.
Refugees are no longer permitted to enter the country, while authorities have helped set up refugee camps along the Syrian borders, but refugees in these camps complain against lack of proper services, water and basic food items.
'Jordan refuses to allow any refugees in its territories. We are subject to threats by IS and other groups while the international community is watching,' Abu Mohanad, an activist from Rakban refugee camp for Syrian refugees told ANSA by phone.
The kingdom currently plays a significant role in the fight against IS in Syria and sponsors several militant groups in southern Syria. Informed sources told ANSA that Jordan has in fact deployed intelligence and military experts across southern Syria in order to prevent infiltrations. Military expert Fares Kreishan said that recent developments in Syria indicate that IS would be forced to seek space in southern Syria, particularly near al Yarmouk valley, near the Jordanian-Israeli borders.
'IS allies near Jordan border has managed to attract numbers of young Syrians to its ranks due to the divisions within the Free Syria Army,' said Kreishan.
Jordan has sent warnings to IS and other groups to stay away from the border line or face retaliation.
Meanwhile, Syria foreign ministry has accused Jordan of 'sponsoring terrorist' groups in southern Syria, in light of attacks on Deraa city and bombings in Damascus that claimed lives of dozens.
The Syrian government lodged a complaint to the UN over perceived Jordanian role in its territories, but Amman denies such allegations.
'Jordan has genuine concerns about impact of recent losses for IS in Syria. The group could send fighters to the kingdom or possible escalation of fighting near its borders,' said Kreishan. Last year, IS carried out several attacks on key military and touristic locations amid concern that number of sympathizers with the group is on the rise.
*ANSA
AMMONNEWS - Jordan is increasingly concerned about flow of IS fighters near its territories following recent losses that the extremist group faced in Syria and Iraq, prompting security forces to boost border control and impose strict measures on key facilities, observers said today.
Recent loss of Mosul and an inevitable capture of IS capital in Syria, Raqqa is likely to herald a new twist in the regional turmoil, including flow of fighters from northern Syria to the south, near the Jordanian borders.
The army has announced zero tolerance for illegal border crossing, employing strict rules of engagement with any party attempting to enter the kingdom from Syria. Meanwhile, the US has provided Jordan with state of the art surveillance system to protect the 227 km borders, which helped stop several attempts of illegal border crossing.
Refugees are no longer permitted to enter the country, while authorities have helped set up refugee camps along the Syrian borders, but refugees in these camps complain against lack of proper services, water and basic food items.
'Jordan refuses to allow any refugees in its territories. We are subject to threats by IS and other groups while the international community is watching,' Abu Mohanad, an activist from Rakban refugee camp for Syrian refugees told ANSA by phone.
The kingdom currently plays a significant role in the fight against IS in Syria and sponsors several militant groups in southern Syria. Informed sources told ANSA that Jordan has in fact deployed intelligence and military experts across southern Syria in order to prevent infiltrations. Military expert Fares Kreishan said that recent developments in Syria indicate that IS would be forced to seek space in southern Syria, particularly near al Yarmouk valley, near the Jordanian-Israeli borders.
'IS allies near Jordan border has managed to attract numbers of young Syrians to its ranks due to the divisions within the Free Syria Army,' said Kreishan.
Jordan has sent warnings to IS and other groups to stay away from the border line or face retaliation.
Meanwhile, Syria foreign ministry has accused Jordan of 'sponsoring terrorist' groups in southern Syria, in light of attacks on Deraa city and bombings in Damascus that claimed lives of dozens.
The Syrian government lodged a complaint to the UN over perceived Jordanian role in its territories, but Amman denies such allegations.
'Jordan has genuine concerns about impact of recent losses for IS in Syria. The group could send fighters to the kingdom or possible escalation of fighting near its borders,' said Kreishan. Last year, IS carried out several attacks on key military and touristic locations amid concern that number of sympathizers with the group is on the rise.
*ANSA
comments
Jordan concerned about IS attacks after Mosul, Raqqa
comments