Three men wanted on terrorism charges were killed in a shootout with police on Jordan’s southeastern borders, according to the Jordanian Public Security Department (PSD). Two of the men were inmates who had recently escaped from a rehabilitation center, while the third was a member of the “Al-Husseiniya cell” and a “most wanted” fugitive involved in the killing of Col. Abdul Razzaq Al-Dalabeeh. The shootout occurred after police surrounded the hideout of the escaped inmates. The men opened fire on the police, who returned fire and killed them all. The identities of the wanted men were confirmed through DNA tests and family members. An investigation is underway into the inmates’ prison escape.
The killing of Col. Abdul Razzaq Al-Dalabeeh on December 16, 2021, in the city of Maan sparked demonstrations against increasing fuel prices. Al-Dalabeeh, deputy police chief of Maan, was shot in the head while responding to rioters in Al-Husseiniya. Three days later, three more officers were killed during a raid on the hideout of suspects believed to be responsible for Al-Dalabeeh’s death. One suspect was killed during the operation, and nine others were arrested.
The Jordanian King Abdullah visited the condolence house of Al-Dalabeeh’s tribe and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. He emphasized that violence against the state, vandalism of public property, and violations of Jordanians’ rights would be dealt with firmly. The king stated that such assaults and acts of vandalism were “dangerous threats to national security” and that violence against security personnel would not be tolerated.
The nine suspects arrested in December stood trial at the State Security Court. One of them was tried in absentia and is believed to be among those killed in the manhunt operation. The suspects face a long list of charges, including orchestrating terrorist acts, being members of an organization with the objective of committing terrorist acts against Jordan’s citizens, possessing weapons with the intention to carry out terrorist activities, and being part of terrorist armed factions. They are also accused of conspiring to undertake acts of terror and propagating the philosophies of a terrorist organization.
During the trial, the eight suspects who appeared in court pleaded not guilty, and their defense lawyers submitted their arguments. The trial is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as the case progresses.
The southern cities of Maan, Tafileh, and Karak have experienced sporadic strikes and sit-ins by truck drivers protesting against increased fuel prices. Some of these strikes turned violent, with protesters attacking public buildings and security forces. The government has been working to address the concerns of the protesters and find a resolution to the issue of rising fuel prices.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Jordan in combating terrorism and maintaining national security. The country has been proactive in its efforts to prevent and respond to terrorist threats, but incidents like these demonstrate the need for continued vigilance and strong law enforcement measures. The government’s commitment to bringing perpetrators to justice and protecting its citizens is crucial in maintaining stability and peace within the country.
In conclusion, the shootout on Jordan’s southeastern borders resulted in the deaths of three men wanted on terrorism charges. Two of the men were escaped inmates, while the third was a member of a notorious cell involved in the killing of a police officer. The incident underscores the importance of maintaining strong law enforcement measures and addressing the root causes of terrorism. Jordan’s commitment to bringing perpetrators to justice and protecting its citizens is crucial in ensuring national security and stability.