Jordan: IED attack targets gendarmerie near Amman, killing one August 10

Event

An improvised explosive device (IED) attack targeted a gendarmerie vehicle in Fuheis (Balqa province), near Amman, on Friday, August 10, killing one police officer and wounding six others. The device, suspected to have been planted by militants, reportedly exploded around 19:30 (local time) near the Fuheis Festival site. Additional IED attacks are possible in the Amman area in the near-term.

Context

The Fuheis Festival is one of Jordan's largest and is held annually, featuring concerts and poetry readings.

Jordan faces an elevated threat of terrorist incidents from Salafist-jihadist militants (including from the Islamic State [IS]) operating both in Jordan and along the Syria-Jordan border, where authorities have recently heightened security measures. In January 2018, state media reported that security forces arrested 17 members of an IS cell from Zarqa who were planning terror attacks.

Advice

Individuals in the Amman area, including in Fuheis, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, and report all suspicious objects and behavior to the police. Adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.