Life returns to normal in Irbid after raid against 'Daesh-affiliated outlaws'

IRBID — Life was back to normal in Irbid on Wednesday after the northern city witnessed a raid by Jordanian security forces that resulted in the killing of seven outlaws. 

All stores in downtown Irbid were open and pedestrians were seen around the streets. 

In the northern neighbourhood where the security forces conducted the raid against the "outlaws", whom authorities said were affiliated with Daesh, some stores were closed as a precautionary measure while others were open on Wednesday. 

Public Security Department personnel blocked some streets that lead to the building where the incident, which led to the death of Jordanian security officer Rashed Zyoud, took place to ensure the safety of the residents. 

Many Irbid residents gathered at a circle near the incident, which started at night on Tuesday and continued until the early hours of Wednesday, trying to get the latest updates, while many others were giving interviews to journalists who thronged the area.

Residents interviewed by The Jordan Times commended the efforts exerted by security forces to ensure the safety of their city and arrest the outlaws. 

Raed Ababneh, a Jordanian who owns a cafe, said he was sitting in his house, which he claimed is close to the raid’s location, when he heard heavy gunfire. 

“We went immediately to the street to see what was happening. Many residents fled after hearing the shots. The power was also cut during the operation,” he told The Jordan Times outside his cafe. 

Mustafa Khalili, whose house is around 100m away from the raid’s location, said life is back to normal in the neighbourhood and many motorists were seen driving nearby. 

“My children went to university and everyone was out to shop for what they need,” he added. 

Commending the efforts of security forces to protect the Kingdom, Khalili said he paid condolences to the family of Zyoud and condemned the criminal act of the outlaws. 

“I also condemn anyone who is plotting against Jordanians,” he added.  

Raed Hammouri said although the residents mostly cooperated with security forces, he urged people to avoid crowding areas to ensure that security forces’ work is unhindered and to protect themselves from being caught in the cross fire.

Four members of the security unit and two civilians were injured in the raid in Irbid, some 80km north of Amman.