Jordanian security forces in Amman (Archive photo)
Photo: Yaron Brenner
Planning more terror attacks. Al-Zarqawi
Photo: Reuters
State of emergency declared in Amman
In light of intelligence information, Jordanian security forces adopt series of unprecedented measures for fear of terror attacks by al-Qaeda in capital
Jordan's security authorities declared a state of emergency and have taken a series of unprecedented measures for fear of terror attacks and car bomb explosions during Christmas, London-based newspaper al-Sharq al-Awsat reported Sunday.
The tough measures were adopted a few days after the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait issued a warning against terror attacks in the area following intelligence information it received, and a month and a half after multiple bombings carried out by al-Qaeda members in three Amman hotels, killed 63 people and left another 150 injured.
The Amman terror attacks, as well as the firing of Katyusha rockets at American targets and toward Israel's southern town of Eilat in August, led to the dismissal of Jordanian Intelligence Chief Samih Asfura.
The security measures, which were introduced Saturday and will remain in place until January 6, include heavy security in Jordan's capital, at all hotels, restaurants and recreation centers visited by the residents and tourists, especially during the holidays. The number of security guards in these areas was multiplied.
Al-Qaeda: Cut off relations with Israel
Meanwhile, rapid intervention teams equipped with helicopters were put on high alert in case of an unusual terror-related incident. Simultaneously, members of the security forces were not allowed to take leaves during this period.
The reason for the increased alert in Jordan, declared for the first time since the war in Iraq, is the threats made by al-Qaeda leader in Iraq Abu Musab al-Zarqawi to carry out additional terror attacks in Jordan if the country continues to assist the United States in its war in Iraq and does not cut off its relations with Israel.
