Jordan marks 48th anniversary of Karamah Battle

KARAMAH/Jordan Valley — His Majesty King Abdullah, the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF), on Monday attended a ceremony at the Unknown Soldier Monument in the Jordan Valley to mark the 48th anniversary of the Karamah Battle.

On March 21, 1968, Jordanian soldiers repelled an Israeli attack on the small Karamah town in the Jordan Valley, whose name means "dignity".

Eighty-six Jordanian soldiers lost their lives in the battle and 108 were wounded. 
The Israeli raid was repelled with heavy losses as the Jordanian army launched an artillery barrage against Israeli tanks.
A total of 250 Israeli soldiers were killed and 450 were wounded, according to official sources. 

On the occasion, His Majesty said in a Facebook comment that the sacrifices of the army are a source of pride for Jordanians.

"Standing at the site of Al Karamah, where the battles of the Arab Army and its sacrifices and the names of the martyrs and their heroic deeds will always remain medals of pride and honour that every Jordanian citizen holds dear," the King said in the post published on the Royal Court's official Facebook page. 

"Our soldiers will always shield and protect our country in the face of all enemies," he added.

The annual anniversary of the Karamah Battle coincides this year with celebrations to mark the Great Arab Revolt’s centennial on June 10.  

Several Royal family members as well as Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour, other senior officials, notables, serving and retired officers attended Monday’s ceremony in honour of those who sacrificed their lives for their homeland. 

The King reviewed the guard of honour, laid wreaths at the monument and recited verses from the Koran at the site.

Delivering an address during the ceremony, JAF Mufti Yahya Al Btoush said Jordan will forever remain strong with its men, heroes and martyrs, paying tribute to the fallen martyrs of the Arab Army.

Meanwhile, HRH Crown Prince Hussein wrote on his Instagram account: “On the 48th Anniversary of Al-Karamah Battle we remember our brave heroes that sacrificed their lives defending #OurJordan”.