Amman, April 15, 2025 — Jordanian intelligence has uncovered and disrupted a major terrorist plot involving rockets, drones, and explosives, arresting 16 suspects in a sweeping national security operation, according to a statement by the General Intelligence Department (GID).
Authorities revealed the group had constructed both a rocket manufacturing site and a drone assembly facility on the outskirts of Amman, with one rocket reportedly ready for launch. Dozens of additional rockets were discovered in a hidden cache.
The arrested individuals have been referred to the state security court, as officials confirmed that the investigation had been active since 2021. Some operatives reportedly received training in Lebanon, prompting Jordan to engage diplomatically with Lebanese authorities.
A government spokesperson, Mohammad al Momani, stated that the suspects were funded and trained externally, and promised their confessions would be publicly released soon.
Sources told Reuters that the plot is suspected to be linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, Jordan’s main opposition group, which has been accused of escalating activities during the Gaza conflict. This marks a dangerous shift toward militancy, analysts say.
The Muslim Brotherhood has denied all involvement, reaffirming its commitment to peaceful political participation in a statement to Reuters.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam pledged full cooperation with Jordan and insisted Lebanon would not serve as a launchpad for threats against neighboring nations.
Political analyst Amer Al Sabaileh said the use of military-grade weapons like drones and rockets indicates a radical shift in tactics among militant factions in the region.
Jordanian officials hinted that, if proven guilty, the Brotherhood could face legal bans under the country’s constitution.
As a key US ally, Jordan has faced increasing threats from Iran-backed militias and Palestinian factions since the Israel-Gaza war erupted in 2023. The kingdom, which hosts over 3,500 US troops, has previously intercepted Iranian missiles aimed at Israel, sparking domestic unrest.
In recent months, Jordan has also foiled several weapons smuggling attempts, believed to be coordinated by regional militant networks seeking to destabilize the kingdom.
PRESS UPDATE