Jordan, Syria agree to work on bolstering border security
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Jordan’s King Abdullah and Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa met in Amman on Wednesday, agreeing to enhance border security cooperation to combat arms and drug trafficking.
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Jordan's King Abdullah II arrives at the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in Washington (AP)
Jordan's King Abdullah and Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa agreed on Wednesday to strengthen border security cooperation to combat arms and drug trafficking, officials said.
During their meeting in Amman, the Jordanian monarch also condemned Israeli airstrikes that targeted southern Damascus and areas near Jordan’s border on Tuesday night, the latest in a series of attacks on Syrian military positions.
The leaders emphasized the need for close coordination to curb smuggling activities, a long-standing challenge along Jordan’s border, the royal palace said. Al-Sharaa pledged to take decisive action against the smuggling networks.
The visit marks al-Sharaa’s third foreign trip since assuming leadership following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. He previously visited Saudi Arabia and Turkey as part of efforts to strengthen regional ties.
Jordan, which hosted the first international conference on Syria shortly after Assad's ouster, has pushed for a peaceful political transition to prevent renewed instability along its borders.
King Abdullah welcomed the outcome of a national dialogue conference held at the presidential palace in Damascus on Tuesday, describing it as "an important step toward rebuilding Syria to fulfill the aspirations of the Syrian people."
Jordanian officials have expressed readiness to support Syria’s reconstruction efforts and have pledged to help alleviate its severe energy crisis by supplying electricity and gas.
Turkiye announces plan for regional coalition
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced in early February that senior ministers, military, and intelligence officials from Turkiye, Syria, Iraq, and Jordan will soon convene to establish an alliance aimed at combating the ISIS terrorist organization and overseeing prisons in eastern Syria.
In an extensive interview for Anadolu Agency, Fidan recalled his earlier discussions with his counterparts from Syria, Iraq, and Jordan regarding the creation of a regional mechanism to address ISIS’s presence.
“There will soon be a meeting hosted by Jordan with the participation of ministers from these countries in the format of 3+3,” Fidan stated, explaining that foreign and defense ministers, along with intelligence chiefs, will work together to build this framework.
Despite ISIS’ diminished capacity, it remains a security concern for both regional and Western nations. Currently, the US-backed YPG is allegedly tasked with fighting ISIS and managing camps and prisons that house ISIS militants and their families.
Turkiye considers the YPG a "terrorist organization" and has been engaging with Syria’s new leadership to discuss measures to dismantle the group.
Fidan emphasized the necessity for regional countries to take charge of their own security concerns and highlighted the significance of cooperation between Turkiye, Syria, Iraq, and Jordan.
Potential US withdrawal
This initiative coincides with indications of a possible withdrawal of American forces from Syria. US President Donald Trump has signaled an assessment of the American presence in Syria.
