Jordanian Forces Kill Four Smugglers at Syria Border

Jordanian border forces killed four drug smugglers attempting to cross from Syria during a clash on Thursday. The army reported that the smugglers were intercepted while trying to exploit poor weather conditions to infiltrate Jordan. Alongside the deaths, significant quantities of narcotics and an automatic weapon were seized. This incident marks a continuing challenge for Jordan, as the country has seen a rise in drug smuggling despite recent political changes in Syria aimed at improving ties with Amman. In response to the drug trade, Jordan and Syria have formed a joint security committee to address issues of arms and narcotics smuggling, and Jordan has conducted pre-emptive airstrikes against militias linked to the drug trade. Captagon, a widely abused stimulant, is reportedly mass-produced in Syria and trafficked through Jordan to Gulf states.