Jordan has been criticized on social media for “defending Israel” by downing Iranian missiles and drones that have been flying in its airspace.
Official sources stressed that the kingdom “reserves the right to defend its sovereignty and skies against any hostile bodies” regardless of whether they are fired from Iran or Israel.
In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, the sources dismissed the online criticism, saying such campaigns were being funded and organized by Jordan’s rivals.
They said that investigations have led to the parties responsible, but they refused to reveal them.
Meanwhile, several drones and rockets have fallen inside Jordanian territory, injuring two children in the al-Zarqa area, some 20 kms east of Amman. A house in the al-Ramtha region was also damaged by the projectiles.
The damage and injuries justify the official Jordanian position that seeks to down any foreign bodies flying over the kingdom to protect lives, said the sources.
Authorities have also received several notices of foreign bodies falling from the sky. They have been dealt with by specialized teams, revealed Jordanian security agencies.
Among the notices was a drone that fell in the Abu Nseir region north of Amman. A vehicle was damaged in the incident. No injuries were reported.
In the Zarqa region, two children were wounded by shrapnel from a foreign body.
Medical teams said they were on highest alert and readiness to tackle these incidents.
Witnesses told Asharq Al-Awsat that eastern and norther regions in the kingdom are “experiencing the war” as they can hear Jordanian defenses down missiles and drones. The noise often leaves the locals in panic.
Authorities do activate alarm systems, urging civilians to take cover, whenever foreign bodies violate the skies.