Jordan: Authorities arrest 17 Islamic State militants January 8

Event

Jordanian authorities announced the arrest of 17 Islamic State (IS) militants on Monday, January 8. According to Jordanian state media, the militants had allegedly planned a series of attacks in November 2017 on security force bases, religious figures, and shopping malls; Jordanian General Intelligence Directorate (GID) officials also reportedly seized weapons and explosives from the militants during the operation. Additional raids by security forces targeting suspected militants are possible in Jordan in the coming weeks.

Context

Though few notable terror attacks have taken place in Jordan in recent months, several Western governments consider Jordan to be at high risk of future terror activity as regional and international terror groups operate along its borders, especially in areas near the borders with Syria and Iraq. Jordanian authorities have reportedly disrupted several planned terror attacks in the country in recent months.

Advice

Individuals in Jordan are advised to remain vigilant, report any suspicious objects or behavior, and adhere to all security instructions issued by the local authorities. Some Western governments have advised their nationals against all travel near the Syrian and Iraqi borders.