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Jordan Detects 160 Drug Smuggling Groups Operating behind its Border with Syria

A drone monitors the Jordanian-Syrian border. (AFP)
A drone monitors the Jordanian-Syrian border. (AFP)
    Amman, London - Mohammed Khair al-Rawashdeh and Asharq Al-Awsat
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Jordan Detects 160 Drug Smuggling Groups Operating behind its Border with Syria

A drone monitors the Jordanian-Syrian border. (AFP)
A drone monitors the Jordanian-Syrian border. (AFP)

Jordan’s army announced that 160 groups of traffickers are operating in southern Syrian, near the border with Jordan. It also confirmed that security channels for communication are up and running with the Syrian regime regarding the matter.

Drug trafficking from Syria into Jordan is becoming “organized” with smugglers stepping up operations and using sophisticated equipment including drones, Jordan’s army said Thursday, warning of a shoot-to-kill policy.

Since the beginning of this year, Jordan’s army has killed 30 smugglers and foiled attempts to smuggle into the kingdom from Syria 16 million Captagon pills -- more than they seized in the whole of 2021 -- the military said.

Speaking to reporters, senior officer, Colonel Mustafa Al-Hiyari, said Jordan is “fighting an undeclared war” and that drug smuggling from Syria has forced stricter rules of engagement.

Hiyari noted that communications with the Syrian side have not been fruitful for a long time, which prompted Jordan to change its engagement policy.

“We got a very positive response from the Syrian government... but on the ground that does not last for long,” he added.

“We have confirmed information that some Syrian checkpoints cooperated with some smugglers in some cases... some checkpoints affiliated with the Syrian army helped smugglers and provided protection,” he revealed.

“But we cannot be certain that this was done on instructions from the Syrian army -- perhaps these are cases of corruption in these checkpoints,” Hiyari said.

On January 27 the army said it killed 27 traffickers in a clash as they tried to enter the kingdom from Syria.

It was the deadliest confrontation yet in the army’s fight against smugglers. Three other alleged traffickers have been killed in separate operations this year.

Hiyari told reporters that large amounts of illegal drugs have been seized since the beginning of the year.

This included 17,348 packs of hashish and more than 16 million Captagon pills -- compared to 15.5 million pills for all of 2021 and 1.4 million pills in 2020.

“Jordan is waging an undeclared war along the border against drug traffickers and those who back them,” Hiyari said.

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Iraq’s Coordination Framework Faces Deep Internal Disputes

An Iraqi soldier walks past a sign that reads "Ramadan Kareem" in the Karrada district of the capital Baghdad on March 5, 2025, during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. (AFP)
An Iraqi soldier walks past a sign that reads "Ramadan Kareem" in the Karrada district of the capital Baghdad on March 5, 2025, during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. (AFP)
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Iraq’s Coordination Framework Faces Deep Internal Disputes

An Iraqi soldier walks past a sign that reads "Ramadan Kareem" in the Karrada district of the capital Baghdad on March 5, 2025, during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. (AFP)
An Iraqi soldier walks past a sign that reads "Ramadan Kareem" in the Karrada district of the capital Baghdad on March 5, 2025, during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. (AFP)

Iraq’s ruling pro-Iran Coordination Framework is facing deep internal disputes as the country braces for the policies of the new American administration and prepares to hold parliamentary elections this year.

A leading member of the alliance said the tense discussions about possible pressure and sanctions from the United States is causing “confusion” between the ruling parties.

Moreover, the competition between them ahead of the elections will affect the future of the alliance and whether it will remain united, he told Asharq Al-Awsat on condition of anonymity.

The “most dangerous thing” that is happening is attempting to hold the Framework responsible for whatever challenges are in store, especially should the US administration under President Donald Trump impose sanctions, he added.

He explained that the forces and groups that are “very close to Iran are aware that the pressure will be focused on them. The leaders of the Framework are aware that the external threat they are facing should not be used as a weapon during the elections.”

Iraqi officials have for two months speculated, without evidence, that the US may possibly impose sanctions this year on banks or political groups or leaders.

Armed factions

Another issue the Shiite forces are grappling with is reaching an agreement over the armed factions.

Sunni politician Mashaan al-Juburi said Iraq needs to merge the factions and pro-Iran Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in the state security forces.

Government officials, including Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, have confirmed that “negotiations are underway over the fate of the factions. As a government agency operating within the state, there is no need to dismantle the PMF.”

Political sources revealed that “after weeks of silence, the armed factions have gone back on their plans to comply with government demands to dissolve and lay down their arms, because they have not heard any word from Washington about the fate of pro-Iran Shiite groups.”

Meanwhile, aide to the prime minister Fadi al-Shammari said in televised remarks that dialogue is ongoing with the armed factions to lay down their weapons.

He hoped the negotiations would “end well.”

The sources said the discrepancy in statements by the Framework reflects their “confusion and hesitation in taking any step or political initiative” towards resolving disputes.

Kadhimi and Sadr’s return

Former Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi's return to Iraq last week after a nearly two-year absence has added another layer to the complicated scene in the country.

In a television interview, he slammed current PM Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, saying several of the current projects in the country were part of an emergency plan drafted by his former government. His remarks sparked fierce criticism by figures close to Sudani.

Prior to Kadhimi’s return, former PM Ayad Allawi announced the formation of a new alliance that will take part in the elections.

Iraqi media noted that preparations for the elections kicked off early this year with the polls usually held in October.

Kadhimi, for his part, is planning on joining the race with liberal Shiite figures.

Meanwhile, influential Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has signaled his return to politics. He had suspended his involvement in political life in June 2022, vowing not to take part in any future elections to avoid partnering with “corrupt” figures.

In late February, he called on his supporters to update their electoral details, in a sign that he may resume political life.

Local media noted that his return to politics is taking place a time when “Iran’s influence in the country is waning.”

Iraqi authorities have yet to schedule the date of the elections as another dispute, this time over amending the electoral law, appears to be looming on the horizon.