Recently, local activists and media have reported that at least 10 individuals, including children, were killed in suspected air strikes carried out by Jordan in south-western Syria. The strikes destroyed multiple homes in the town of Arman, located in Suweida province near the border. While the Jordanian authorities have not issued an immediate comment on these allegations, it is believed that the Jordanian forces have conducted several air strikes in Syria over the past year targeting drug smugglers and their facilities.
The primary focus of these air strikes is to combat the surge in drug smuggling, particularly of the highly demanded amphetamine Captagon, into the kingdom. Jordan, along with its Western allies, argues that Iran-backed militias operating within government-controlled areas of Syria are heavily involved in organized and heavily armed smuggling operations. These militias pose a significant threat to Jordan’s national security and well-being.
According to the eyewitnesses cited by the activist-run Suwayda 24 news website, the recent air strikes took place in residential areas of Arman and nearby Malah early on Thursday. The strikes resulted in the destruction of the houses belonging to Omar Talab and Turki al-Halabi in Arman. Tragically, Mr. Talab, his mother, his aunt, and seven members of Mr. Halabi’s family, including his wife and two young daughters, lost their lives. Mr. Halabi and his mother were presumed dead as they were trapped underneath the rubble of their collapsed home.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring group, reported that the strikes resulted in the death of at least nine individuals in Arman, including five women and two children. Additionally, a sixth woman remained trapped beneath the debris. The Observatory strongly condemned what it described as a “massacre” in Arman and highlighted that this incident marked the third intrusion into Syrian territory by Jordanian warplanes this year.
Apart from targeting residential areas, the air strikes also aimed at a damaged warehouse and a nearby house in Malah. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in this specific instance. However, on 8 January, Suwayda 24 revealed that three people were killed in two separate strikes that hit a house, a farm in the town of Shaab, and a barn in Arman.
Ryan Marouf, one of the editors at Suwayda 24, suggested to Reuters that these strikes appeared to represent an escalation by Jordan in its war against drug dealers. It was further mentioned that the Jordanian forces specifically target farms suspected of storing drugs before they are smuggled across the border, as well as the primary residences and hideouts of known drug dealers.
In response to these escalating tensions, it is essential for all parties involved to consider the implications and potential consequences of such actions. Engaging in air strikes, even with a specific objective in mind, can have severe humanitarian, political, and diplomatic repercussions. Therefore, it becomes crucial for Jordan and other relevant stakeholders to approach this situation cautiously.
Firstly, any military action should prioritize minimizing civilian casualties and collateral damage. The loss of innocent lives and destruction of civilian infrastructure only serve to deepen the suffering of the Syrian people and contribute to the instability in the region. Efforts should be made to adhere to international humanitarian laws and principles.
Secondly, it is crucial for Jordan to coordinate its actions with other international actors, particularly those involved in the ongoing Syrian conflict. Cooperation and collaboration are essential in finding long-term solutions to the issues surrounding drug smuggling and regional security. Multilateral efforts, such as intelligence sharing and joint operations against illicit networks, can prove more effective and reduce the risk of unintended consequences.
Thirdly, diplomatic channels must remain open between the concerned parties. Dialogue and negotiations can provide a path towards de-escalation and potential resolutions. Engaging in constructive discussions allows countries to express their concerns, seek compromises, and create platforms for addressing the root causes of the problem.
Furthermore, it is vital for the international community, including neighboring countries and global organizations, to provide support and assistance to Jordan and Syria. The impact of drug smuggling and related criminal activities transcends borders, and a collective response is warranted. This support may come in the form of intelligence sharing, capacity-building programs, and financial aid to aid in the fight against drug trafficking.
Lastly, it is crucial to acknowledge the complex dynamics present in the Syrian conflict. The involvement of various state and non-state actors, each pursuing their own interests, adds further layers of complexity. Any actions taken by external parties should be mindful of the broader context, including the potential risks of unintended escalation and further destabilization.
In conclusion, the suspected air strikes carried out by Jordan in southern Syria have had a significant impact on the region. The loss of innocent lives and destruction of homes raise concerns about the humanitarian consequences of such actions. Moving forward, it is important for all stakeholders to exercise caution and consider diplomatic, multilateral, and humanitarian approaches in addressing the challenges related to drug smuggling and regional security. By doing so, it is possible to navigate towards a more stable and secure future for both Jordan and Syria.
