Jordan Warns of Potential Chaos in Syria

On Tuesday, Jordan's Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Major General Yousef Ahmed Al-Hunaiti, received the Director of Cooperation for the US Export Control and Border Security Program (Joint Chiefs of Staff website)

Jordanian security officials are worried about the return of chaos to Syria after the sudden departure of former President Bashar al-Assad to Moscow.
Security sources say instability could arise from a power struggle between factions, whose loyalties and weapons supplies remain unclear.
Sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that recent events, including the movement of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and Assad’s flight, are driven by regional and international forces.
The focus seems to be on “rehabilitating” Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, now revealed as Ahmad al-Sharaa.
However, the loyalty of his supporters, following his shift in rhetoric, remains uncertain and will need to be tested in the short and medium term.
Jordan is concerned about the situation in Syria due to the many actors involved and conflicting interests over the country’s future.
The risk of extremism and terrorism, fueled by hidden stockpiles of weapons, is a major worry for Syria and its neighbors. The situation is also complicated by internal agendas driven by revenge and retribution.
Jordan has expressed support for the “choices and will of the Syrian people.”
However, officials are concerned about the overconfidence in figures who were once part of al-Qaeda and ISIS before founding Jabhat al-Nusra, which later became Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, led by Abu Muhammed al-Jolani and backed by Türkiye.
Jordan is concerned about ISIS cells in the Syrian desert and the potential return of ISIS militias.
Security sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that they are closely monitoring armed groups in southern Syria.
Ongoing communication with Syrian tribes, the army, and moderate groups in areas like Daraa is key to strengthening a defensive line along the 370 km Jordan-Syria border.
On Monday, Jordan’s Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Maj. Gen. Yousef Ahmed Al-Hunaiti, met with US Central Command Commander Gen. Michael Kurilla.
They discussed strengthening regional and security cooperation, recent developments in the region, and areas of joint coordination to support the armed forces of both countries.
The US general’s visit is closely tied to the ongoing US presence in Syria and the joint Jordanian-American efforts to fight various militant groups that have attacked US bases and targeted Jordan’s security.
Reports indicate airstrikes on Monday night hit areas in the Syrian desert where ISIS is believed to be hiding. The Israeli strikes aimed to destroy Syrian military stockpiles and prevent them from reaching armed groups.
Jordanian security experts believe ISIS may be using the current lull to revive its operations, expanding alliances with militias ready to join the chaos in Syria and serve the interests of external powers seeking to exploit Syria’s resources.