The Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) announced on Saturday that its air defenses have dealt with 281 Iranian missiles and drones targeting the Kingdom’s territory during five weeks of military escalation in the region. The total included 161 missiles and 120 drones.
اضافة اعلان
The JAF clarified that the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) successfully intercepted and destroyed 261 of these threats, while air defenses were unable to intercept 20 missiles and drones.
Brigadier General Mustafa Al-Hiyari, Director of Military Media, stated that the Armed Forces are executing defensive missions under Operation "Jordan Shield," which aims to protect the homeland and prevent any loss of life.
During a press briefing where the Armed Forces and the Public Security Directorate presented figures and details regarding the repercussions of the regional war, Al-Hiyari added that Iran and certain regional factions are directly targeting the Kingdom's territory without justification.
He emphasized that these attacks represent a violation of Jordan's sovereignty and are condemned and rejected, stressing that the Armed Forces are working to thwart infiltration and smuggling attempts that seek to exploit the current security conditions.
Professional Defense Doctrine
Al-Hiyari explained that the Armed Forces operate according to a professional defensive doctrine that prioritizes the protection of civilians, noting that the Jordanian state possesses high readiness to handle various scenarios.
He pointed out that the missiles and drones were targeting vital sites and facilities within Jordanian territory, confirming they were not merely "in-transit" projectiles as rumored. Their interception led to shrapnel falling in various areas of the Kingdom.
Context of the Conflict
The military spokesperson noted that the war broke out following strikes launched by the United States and Israel on Iran, followed by Iranian attacks affecting several countries in the region, including Jordan. This occurred despite the Kingdom's repeated assertions that it would not be a battlefield and that its territory would not be used as a launchpad for any attack.
He revealed that the Armed Forces raised their readiness levels before the outbreak of the war, placing all formations and units on immediate alert. Border units were reinforced, and border guards were provided with the necessary equipment to handle these exceptional circumstances. Furthermore, air defense systems were activated according to available ranges, and airspace monitoring via aircraft and radar was intensified.
Al-Hiyari added that Jordan has activated military and defense cooperation agreements with several brotherly and friendly armies to provide an air cover that enhances the protection of the Kingdom's skies. This was done in coordination with the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission to manage air traffic and ensure the safety of the airspace.
He concluded by stressing that Jordan has sought, since the beginning of the escalation, to spare the region from war through diplomatic means. He reaffirmed that the Kingdom's primary concern is maintaining its security and the safety of its citizens, noting that the missile and drone attacks constitute an assault on its sovereignty and have caused material damage.
