In recent years, Jordan has found itself embroiled in a relentless struggle against the smuggling of drugs and weapons from Assad-controlled areas of southern Syria, occupied by Iranian-backed militias and Lebanon-based Hezbollah. The situation has escalated to the point where the Jordanian military has taken decisive action, including several airstrikes, to combat this illicit trade.
The conflict dates back over five years, following the Syrian regime’s takeover of the region. Despite Jordan’s efforts to reconcile with the regime and reach agreements to end the smuggling operations, these illicit activities have persisted, prompting Jordan to take a more proactive stance.
Recent clashes between Jordanian forces and armed groups attempting to cross the border from Syria illegally resulted in the killing and injury of several smugglers, as well as the arrest of others. These confrontations have underscored the severity of the situation and the lengths Jordan is willing to go to combat the smuggling operations.
On January 5th, Jordan launched airstrikes on suspected warehouses and hideouts of Iran-backed drug smugglers in southern Syria. These strikes were a response to protracted clashes with individuals linked to pro-Iran militias who had crossed the border with large hauls of drugs, weapons, and explosives.
On the 7th Jordanian forces engaged in clashes that began with drug traffickers in southern Syria, resulting in the death of 5 smugglers and the capture of 15 others. At least 627,000 Captagon pills and 3,439 bags of hashish were seized. While local Syrian sources claim Jordanian warplanes conducted airstrikes on several sites believed to be linked to the narcotics trade in southern Suwayda.
The Jordanian military’s expanded campaign against smugglers from Syria has raised questions about the possibility of further military action in southern Syria. The airstrikes, believed to be carried out by Jordanian military jets, targeted locations associated with the illicit drug trade, which is known to fund Iran-backed militias and pro-government paramilitary forces in Syria.
Brigadier Mustafa al-Hiyari, the army’s spokesman, said, “The responsibility lies with the Syrian state. The responsibility lies with [Assad’s] government [for] any presence of militias, regardless of their ties.”
The ongoing conflict has also highlighted the strategic importance of Jordan as a key transit route for Syrian-made amphetamines, particularly Captagon, to oil-rich Gulf states. The US and Western anti-narcotics officials have emphasized the significant role played by Jordan in countering this multi-billion-dollar drug trade.
Jordan’s efforts to combat drug smuggling have not gone unnoticed by its Western allies, with promises of increased US military aid to improve border security. The kingdom has already received substantial support from the United States to establish border posts, reflecting the international community’s recognition of the gravity of the situation.
