Air force commander Huneiti replaces Freihat as army chief

AMMAN — A Royal Decree has been issued appointing Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti as chairman of the joint chiefs of staff as of Wednesday.

Another Royal Decree referred Lt. Gen. Mahmoud Freihat, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, to retirement, also as of Wednesday, according to a Royal Court statement.

Prior to his appointment as army chief, Huneiti was the commander of the Royal Jordanian Air Force.

In a letter to the new chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, His Majesty King Abdullah highlighted the achievements of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) in defending the nation, noting the army’s role in safeguarding national and Arab causes, in line with its founding principles inspired by the Great Arab Revolt’s values of liberty, dignity, unity and progress.

In the letter, the King pointed to Huneiti’s experience throughout many years of service and commended JAF personnel’s dedication and bravery, the statement said.

His Majesty stressed the need to fully support the JAF to ensure that the army remains a shining example of discipline, dedication, efficiency, and professionalism, directing Huneiti to develop, restructure, and build the capacities of the armed forces.