Jordan asks world to find alternatives to aid delivery as border with Syria closed

AMMAN — Jordan on Tuesday told envoys of world powers and representatives of international organisations that the Kingdom has to seal off the part of the border where a terrorist attack killed six army and security personnel.

“Jordan has always warned from the increase in Syrians' numbers at the borders, especially since it has amounted to 100,000 people, most of whom are from northern and northeastern Syria where Daesh members are located, ” said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh.

He made the remarks to the ambassadors of the Permanent Five (P5) of the UN Security Council and the European Union, in addition to representatives of the UNHCR and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Interior Minister Salameh Hammad and Minister of State for Media Affairs Mohammad Momani also attended the meeting.

Judeh said the terrorist attack is a solid proof of the existence of terrorist elements among the crowds at the borders.

In light of the incident, and to protect Jordan’s security, this particular border area must be closed, especially for individuals and vehicles, considering it a sealed military zone.

Thus, an agreement with international organisations must be made to find alternative means to deliver humanitarian aid to the displaced, Judeh said.

“Jordan has borne a heavy burden that no country in the world has experienced in relation to the waves of refugees. The world must shoulder its responsibilities and respect Jordan’s decisions, especially the ones related to its security,” Judeh stressed.

For his part, Hammad said that the security of Jordan and its residents is a top priority, noting that the area that witnessed the attack has members of Daesh, smugglers and other dangerous elements that are a threat not only to Jordanians but to aid organisations working in the area as well. 

Momani said that Jordanians stand in unity against such attacks, stressing the government’s measures to preserve Jordan’s security and safety. 

For their part, the ambassadors of the P5 of the UN Security Council, the EU and UN organisations working in Jordan, condemned the attack, stressing their solidarity with the Kingdom as it rises to face terrorism.