Jordan seizes rockets, drones in major national security raid

Jordanian authorities say they have thwarted a major plot involving rockets, drones and explosives, arresting 16 suspects in what officials are calling a serious threat to national security.

According to a statement released by the General Intelligence Department on Tuesday, the group had established both a drone production site and a rocket manufacturing facility on the outskirts of Amman. One rocket was reportedly ready to launch, with dozens more found in a secret hideout.

The suspects have been referred to the state security court. Officials said the investigation had been ongoing since 2021, and that several operatives had received training in Lebanon.

A security source told Reuters that the plot was linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, Jordan’s largest opposition group. The Brotherhood has been accused of fuelling protests during the Gaza war and, in this case, of shifting to more militant tactics.

Government spokesperson Mohammad al Momani confirmed that some of the arrested individuals were trained and funded from outside the country, and that the government would soon broadcast their full confessions.

“The plot aimed at harming national security, sowing chaos and causing material destruction inside the kingdom,” the intelligence department’s statement said.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam pledged cooperation with Amman, insisting Lebanon would not allow its territory to be used for hostile acts against neighbouring states.

The Muslim Brotherhood, however, denied involvement in the alleged plot. In a statement to Reuters, the group said it had always pursued peaceful political participation and rejected violence.

Analyst Amer Al Sabaileh told Reuters the use of drones and rockets represents “a complete change in the way the Muslim Brotherhood are dealing with Jordan.”

Officials have hinted that the Brotherhood could face a ban if found guilty of organising the plot, as per the constitution.

Jordan, a key US ally, has increasingly come under threat from Iran-backed groups since the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war in 2023. The country hosts over 3,500 US troops and previously shot down missiles fired from Iran towards Israel — a move that provoked public anger at home.

In the past year, Jordan has also intercepted multiple weapons smuggling attempts linked to pro-Iranian militias and Palestinian factions. Authorities say these efforts are part of broader attempts to destabilise the kingdom and spread regional conflict.