Jordan Launches Air Strikes on Suspected Iranian-Backed Drug Smugglers in Syria
In a bid to combat drug smuggling and maintain border security, Jordan launched air strikes inside Syria against suspected warehouses and hideouts of Iranian-backed drug smugglers. The move comes after clashes last month with infiltrators from Syria who were linked to pro-Iranian militias and carried large hauls of drugs, weapons, and explosives across the border.
The air strikes were carried out by Jordanian jets, targeting the suspected home of a leading drug dealer in the town of Shaab in Sweida province, as well as warehouses near the village of Al-Ghariya. Both locations are in the province of Sweida, which is near the Jordanian border.
Ryan Marouf, editor of Suwayda 24, a Syrian news website, confirmed the strikes and stated that a plume of smoke was seen from the border area soon after the attacks. Marouf also mentioned that the first strike targeted a leading drug dealer linked to Iranian militias, while the second raid targeted a farm where drugs are stored.
Jordanian officials, along with their Western allies, have accused Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah group and other pro-Iranian militias in southern Syria of being involved in drug and weapons smuggling. However, Iran and Hezbollah have dismissed these allegations as part of Western plots against them. Syria has also denied any complicity with Iranian-backed militias linked to its army and security forces.
To improve security on its border, Jordan has received promises of increased military aid from the United States. Since the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011, the US has provided approximately $1 billion to establish border posts. The illicit drug trade in Syria is believed to finance pro-Iranian militias and pro-government paramilitary forces, according to UN experts, US officials, and European officials.
Syria has become the main hub for a multi-billion-dollar drug trade in the region, with Jordan serving as a key transit route to the oil-rich Gulf states for a Syrian-made amphetamine called captagon, according to Western anti-narcotics officials and Washington. The war-torn country’s prolonged conflict has created an environment conducive to the proliferation of drug smuggling and illicit activities.
The air strikes conducted by Jordan demonstrate the country’s commitment to combatting drug smuggling and maintaining border security. By targeting suspected warehouses and hideouts of Iranian-backed drug smugglers, Jordan aims to disrupt the illicit drug trade that funds pro-Iranian militias and paramilitary forces. These efforts align with the international community’s goal of curbing drug trafficking and its associated criminal activities.
The ongoing conflict in Syria has had far-reaching consequences, with drug smuggling becoming a lucrative business for various armed groups. It is crucial for countries like Jordan to take decisive action against drug smugglers to protect their borders and prevent the destabilization of the region.
As Jordan continues its campaign against drug dealers, it is essential for regional and international cooperation to address the root causes of drug smuggling and find comprehensive solutions. By tackling the issue at its source and implementing effective border control measures, countries can work together to dismantle the networks that perpetuate drug trafficking and its harmful effects on societies.
In conclusion, Jordan’s air strikes on suspected Iranian-backed drug smugglers in Syria highlight the country’s determination to combat drug trafficking and maintain border security. By disrupting the illicit drug trade, Jordan aims to weaken the financial resources of pro-Iranian militias and paramilitary forces. It is crucial for regional and international actors to collaborate in addressing the root causes of drug smuggling and implementing comprehensive strategies to tackle this issue effectively.