King Abdullah: There are No Present or Future Concerns over Jordan’s Security

King Abdullah II of Jordan. (AFP)
King Abdullah II of Jordan. (AFP)
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King Abdullah: There are No Present or Future Concerns over Jordan’s Security

King Abdullah II of Jordan. (AFP)
King Abdullah II of Jordan. (AFP)

Jordan's King Abdullah II stressed on Tuesday that Jordan’s Armed Forces (JAF) and security agencies’ success in thwarting terrorist plots reflects their professionalism and effective coordination.

During a visit to the General Department of the Gendarmerie and the Public Security Department, King Abdullah, accompanied by Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II, said there were no concerns over Jordan’s present or future security.

King Abdullah met with Gendarmerie and the Public Security Department director, Maj. Gen. Hussein Hawatmeh, who briefed him on issues and developments related to Gendarmerie forces.

Society rejects dark ideologies and its promoters, added King Abdullah.

He asserted that Jordan is strong and growing stronger every day due to the awareness of the Jordanians and their cohesion, as well as the determination and will of the armed forces and security services.

All Jordanians are proud of the security agencies’ efforts in the recent operation held to safeguard the country’s security and stability, he continued, commending the sacrifices of the JAF and security agencies.

He also expressed condolences over the death of a number of security personnel, who were killed while defending the country.

Hawatmeh, for his part, said Gendarmerie forces are honored to uphold their duty to protect Jordan and its people.

Meanwhile, Jordanian security forces were still carrying out raids against takfiri elements.

Dozens of extremists were arrested and the raids included all the neighborhoods in Salt town, lawyer for extremist groups, Musa al-Abdallat told Asharq Al-Awsat.



US Says Committed to 'Diplomatic Resolution' in Lebanon

FILE - Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks in Greenwich, London, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool, File)
FILE - Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks in Greenwich, London, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool, File)
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US Says Committed to 'Diplomatic Resolution' in Lebanon

FILE - Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks in Greenwich, London, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool, File)
FILE - Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks in Greenwich, London, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool, File)

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stressed that the United States was dedicated to a diplomatic resolution in Lebanon and urged Israel to improve "dire" conditions in Gaza, in a call Saturday with his Israeli counterpart.

Austin "reiterated US commitment to a diplomatic resolution in Lebanon that allows Israeli and Lebanese civilians to return safely to their homes on both sides of the border" in his call with Israel Katz, according to a Pentagon spokesperson.

Austin also "urged the Government of Israel to continue to take steps to improve the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza and emphasized the US commitment to securing the release of all hostages, including US citizens."

Lebanon said Saturday that an Israeli air strike in the heart of Beirut that brought down a residential building and jolted residents across the city killed at least 11 people.

Israel stepped up its campaign against the Hezbollah militant group in late September, targeting its strongholds in Lebanon.

Lebanon's health ministry says at least 3,645 people have been killed since October 2023, when Hezbollah began trading fire with Israel in solidarity with its Palestinian ally Hamas.

The United Nations and others have repeatedly decried humanitarian conditions, particularly in northern Gaza, where Israel said Friday it had killed two commanders involved in Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack.

In the call with Katz, Austin also discussed ongoing Israeli operations and reaffirmed Washington's "ironclad commitment to Israel's security," the Pentagon said.