‘Iran-backed plot’ to destabilize Jordan thwarted

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Updated 26 June 2024
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‘Iran-backed plot’ to destabilize Jordan thwarted

  • Security forces detonate cache of explosives found hidden in commercial warehouse

JEDDAH: Jordanian security forces have detonated a cache of explosives found concealed in a commercial warehouse in an industrial area southeast of Amman, thwarting what authorities said was part of an Iran-backed plot to destabilize the kingdom.

Officials said the material was hidden by the same gang who stored explosives uncovered on Saturday in a crowded residential area close to a military airport.

Security sources said both incidents were terror related based on the quantity of explosives found, and were linked to Iran’s clandestine efforts to recruit agents to destabilize the kingdom with acts of sabotage.

Over the past year Jordan has foiled numerous attempts to smuggle weapons by infiltrators linked to pro-Iranian militias in Syria who have crossed its borders with rocket launchers and explosives.

Some of the weapons managed to get through undetected, and security sources say some of the arms are bound for the occupied West Bank. Several Jordanians linked to Palestinian militants have been arrested.


About 50,000 worshippers perform Taraweeh prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque

Updated 23 February 2026
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About 50,000 worshippers perform Taraweeh prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque

  • Palestinians are observing Ramadan amid heightened tensions in the occupied West Bank
  • Over 300 Jerusalemites have recently received Israeli orders prohibiting their entry to Al-Aqsa Mosque during the fasting month

LONDON: Nearly 50,000 worshippers performed the Isha and Ramadan Taraweeh prayers on Sunday evening at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the walled city of occupied East Jerusalem.

Thousands of Palestinians gathered at Al-Aqsa despite facing Israeli military checkpoints and strict identity checks at the mosque’s gates, according to the Jerusalem Governorate.

Palestinians are observing the fasting month of Ramadan, which began last Wednesday, amid heightened tensions in the occupied West Bank, including attacks by settlers, and Israeli raids and arrests.

Over 300 Jerusalemites have recently received Israeli orders prohibiting their entry to Al-Aqsa during Ramadan, the Wafa news agency reported.

Israeli forces have increased their military presence in Jerusalem and restricted access to Al-Aqsa to children under 12, men over 55, and women over 50.

Since Wednesday, thousands of Palestinians have lined up to pass through military checkpoints, including Qalandiya and Bethlehem, in hopes of attending prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan.