The Jordanian army announced today, Tuesday, that it shot down two drones coming from Syria in the latest incident raising concerns about the increasing drug smuggling across the borders. The statement mentioned that border guard forces detected an attempt to illegally cross two drones from Syria into Jordan and seized a quantity of crystal (methamphetamine). The army warned that it will deal forcefully with any attempt to destabilize the country’s security.
Jordanian officials state that the rising use of drones carrying drugs, weapons, and explosives adds a new dimension to the multi-billion dollar cross-border drug war. Jordan, a U.S. ally, accuses Iran-backed militias controlling southern Syria of waging this war. Arab and Western countries accuse Syria of producing profitable amphetamines and other addictive drugs and of organizing their smuggling to the Gulf, with Jordan considered a major transit route.
The government of President Bashar al-Assad denies allegations of Syria's involvement in drug production and trafficking, as well as any collusion with Iranian-backed militias that are protected by units within the Syrian army and security forces. Iran claims that these allegations are part of a Western conspiracy against the country.
Jordanian officials say talks with senior Syrian officials to curb the Iranian-run smuggling networks have reached an impasse due to Damascus's inability to enforce order in the southern region, which is characterized by a state of lawlessness.
Last week, Jordan's King Abdullah stated that Iran and elements within the Syrian government benefit from the drug trade, adding that he is uncertain whether Assad controls the country given the "major problem" of drug and arms smuggling. King Abdullah said, "We fight every day at our borders to prevent large quantities of drugs from entering our country."
The Jordanian monarch was quoted at the Global Middle East Summit in New York saying, "This is a key issue exploited by all parties, including some people within the system (Syrian), the Iranians, and their proxies." Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi also stated that the amount of drugs smuggled from Syria has increased since the kingdom began talks with Damascus to limit it after its return to the Arab League last May.
Jordanian officials indicate that the kingdom has raised the issue of gaining more support for its efforts to curb drug smuggling during a visit last month by U.S. Joint Chiefs Chairman General Mark Milley. Milley confirmed that Washington is working closely with Jordan to provide equipment, training, and advice to address the growing threat of drug trafficking.
