Jordan announced Tuesday that it had disrupted a major security threat allegedly planned by 16 members of the Muslim Brotherhood.
The suspects were arrested for their alleged involvement in manufacturing rockets and possessing explosives. Authorities claim the group had been active since 2021, operating in four cells. Government spokesman Mohammad Al Momani said the activities posed a “direct threat to national security and to the Jordanian state.”
Training Abroad and Imported Explosives
Officials allege that some of the suspects traveled to Lebanon and other countries to receive training and assistance in missile production. Authorities said that if the plot had continued, the group could have produced 300 missiles with ranges between 3km and 5km — capable of targeting locations inside Jordan. One missile was reportedly “ready to use,” and all explosives were said to have been imported.
Al Momani also noted that the suspects had met to discuss drone production and were transferred to a special anti-terrorism court. He described them as members of an “unlicensed and disbanded group” — a reference to the Muslim Brotherhood.
Muslim Brotherhood Denies Involvement
Jordan’s Muslim Brotherhood denied any organizational connection to the alleged plot. The group stated it had “no link” to the individuals involved, who it said were acting independently “within the context of supporting the resistance.” The Brotherhood added, “was and remains a genuine part of the fabric of Jordan and puts the kingdom’s high interests ahead of any consideration.”
Though not banned, the Brotherhood has seen some of its activities curtailed in Jordan. It operates through the Islamic Action Front, a religious political party that gained momentum in last year’s parliamentary elections, now holding one-fifth of the seats in the legislature. Nonetheless, King Abdullah retains ultimate power in the country.
International Reactions and Cooperation
The UAE expressed firm support for Jordan, with Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed, stating, “Our position is firm and steadfast in the face of anyone who attempts to undermine its security and prosperity.”
Lebanon also pledged cooperation. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam told his Jordanian counterpart that Lebanon “refuses to be a headquarters or launching pad for any action that would threaten the security of any brotherly or friendly country,” according to Lebanon’s official news agency.
Confessions and Charges Broadcast on State TV
Jordanian state television aired confessions from several suspects. Ibrahim Mohammad was singled out as a primary instigator, accused of planning the missile program and coordinating training in Lebanon. Moath Al Ghanem admitted traveling to Lebanon in 2021 and meeting a man named Abu Ahmad, who introduced the idea of making rockets. Another alleged member, Muhsin Al Ghanem, said he transported $20,000 from abroad to finance the operation. Abdullah Hisham said he received machine training in Lebanon.
Authorities claimed the cell operated near Amman, importing machinery for missile assembly. Missile parts were allegedly hidden behind a concrete door in a secret room. The plan was reportedly disrupted just as the first prototype was about to be produced.
Mr Mohammad has been charged with transporting and storing 30kg of TNT, C4, and Semtex-H explosives.
Additional Plot Involving Drone Technology
State television also revealed a separate plot involving drone production. Four individuals, including civil aviation engineer Abdul Aziz Haroun, allegedly held several meetings to plan their design. Haroun was tasked with creating the drone shell, while another member focused on the electrical systems.
Broader Security Concerns Amid Gaza War
The revelation comes amid heightened tensions in Jordan over the war in Gaza. In November, security forces killed a gunman near the Israeli embassy in Amman. Though Jordan has been vocal in its criticism of Israel’s military operations in Gaza and has repeatedly called for a ceasefire, the kingdom maintains a peace treaty with Israel and a key defense pact with the US.
Officials emphasize Jordan’s support for the Palestinian cause, pointing to its custodianship of Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem — a responsibility inherited from King Abdullah’s great-grandfather.
