jordan Archives

5,000 Islamic State detainees transferred to Iraq from Syria, will face investigations

Seth Frantzman | February 12, 2026

Around 5,000 Islamic State detainees have been transferred from Syria to Iraq under a US-facilitated mission that began in late January, following security shifts in eastern Syria. The number of detainees transferred is expected to reach up to 7,000. Iraqi officials say the transfers may conclude by February 12 and that the detainees will face investigation and prosecution. Iraq has stressed it will not become a permanent repository for foreign fighters and has urged countries to repatriate their citizens now in Iraqi custody.

Jordan carries out airstrikes in Syria against drug smugglers

Seth Frantzman | December 31, 2025

The Kingdom of Jordan conducted airstrikes targeting drug smuggling networks in southern Syria between December 23 and 25. The Jordanians coordinated with regional partners, although reports did not specify whom. The strikes targeted rural areas near the Jordanian border in Syria’s southern Suwayda Governorate, which is currently controlled by Druze forces.

Muslim Brotherhood branch in Egypt threatens Jordanian state

Ahmad Sharawi | April 24, 2025

The “Change Movement” in Egypt called for supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan to resist the Jordanian state after authorities banned the group on April 23.

Jordan foils Muslim Brotherhood terrorist plot

Ahmad Sharawi | April 15, 2025

On April 15, the Jordanian General Intelligence Directorate (GID) announced that it “foiled plans aimed at targeting national security, sowing chaos, and sabotage within Jordan.” The GID detained 16 suspects, stating it had monitored the activity since 2021.

Israel strikes southern Syria amid continued demands for demilitarization

Seth Frantzman | February 27, 2025

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out airstrikes in southern Syria on February 25 after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said that southern Syria must be a demilitarized zone. Local reports said that the strikes hit several areas in Daraa province, not far from Israel’s Golan Heights.

Syria appoints new president amid widespread diplomatic engagement efforts

Seth Frantzman | January 30, 2025

On January 29, Ahmed al Sharaa was declared the new president of Syria in the transitional government that came into power after the collapse of the Assad regime on December 8. This declaration led to congratulations from several Arab states in the region, and the Qatari emir arrived in Damascus on January 30, the first head of state to visit the new ruler. These developments are part of a broad diplomatic outreach by Sharaa and his new foreign minister.

A new window into the Assad regime’s narcotrafficking operations

Natalie Ecanow & Ahmad Sharawi | December 16, 2024

Worth approximately $10 billion, the illicit captagon drug trade served as a financial lifeline for the Assad regime in Syria. Since Bashar al Assad’s ouster, new details about narcotrafficking operations and the extent of regime involvement have come to light.

Iran-affiliated cell reportedly found storing explosives in Jordan’s capital

Ahmad Sharawi | June 24, 2024

Jordanian authorities announced an investigation that may have successfully thwarted an Iranian-backed attempt to destabilize the Kingdom. The efforts of Iran, its proxies, and allied organizations in Jordan have notably increased since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7.