Jordan launches fresh airstrikes on Syria’s Sweida province, says, ‘neutralised a number of arms…’; Here’s what we know so far

Jordan has carried out a series of airstrikes in southern Syria’s Sweida province, targeting suspected drug trafficking networks and storage areas near the border, Syrian media and a human rights monitor reported.

Syrian state Ikhbariya TV reported that drug warehouses and a weapons facility used by armed smuggling gangs were targeted in raids late on Wednesday (local time). A former Syrian army outpost that was recently reused for narcotics storage was also destroyed, Xinhua news agency reported.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that there were many attacks on the border areas and intense aircraft activity was observed.

In a statement, the Jordanian Armed Forces confirmed that it had “neutralized a number of arms and drug smugglers along Jordan’s northern border” and “targeted a number of factories and workshops used as hiding places by these groups” for cross-border smuggling operations into Jordan, without specifying the locations.

Jordan has intensified military operations along its northern border in recent years; These are cited as increasing threats from drug and arms trafficking networks, many via drones.

A year after Syria’s political transition, Jordan continues to grapple with security threats along its northern border; Experts point to persistent smuggling activities and regional instability as ongoing concerns.

Despite the developments, security concerns on Jordan’s northern border remain, Jordanian military and strategic analyst Nidal Abu Zeid told Xinhua in a recent interview.

“The geographical structure of the border, which spans rugged and sparsely populated terrain between Jordan, Syria and Iraq, makes full control a constant challenge,” Abu Zeid said. he said.

He noted that smuggling operations are increasingly shifting towards isolated and uncoordinated ventures.

Public law professor and political analyst Muath Abu Dalou told Xinhua that Jordan is closely monitoring developments in southern Syria. “The ongoing activities of smugglers and armed groups require Jordan to maintain a high level of vigilance.”

Because Jordan has an approximately 375 km border with Syria, many Jordanian experts have directly linked long-term border security to Syria’s stability and unity.

Syria entered a political transition in December 2024 after the previous government was overthrown after years of conflict. Last year saw the gradual reopening of public institutions in the country, the partial return of services in major cities, and diplomatic contacts with regional and international actors.

However, large parts of the country continue to face reconstruction challenges, especially in areas heavily damaged during the conflict, while security incidents continue in border areas.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by DNA staff)