By Reuters

In a significant development, Jordan’s air force has successfully intercepted and shot down numerous Iranian drones that breached its airspace while heading towards Israel, according to two regional security sources.

The Jordanian army has been placed on high alert, with radar systems closely monitoring any drone activity originating from Iraq and Syria. Residents in various northern, central, and southern cities reported hearing heavy aerial activity.

In the aftermath of the intercept, debris from several downed drones was discovered in neighborhoods south of the capital Amman, just 60 km (37 miles) from Jerusalem. Concerned citizens gathered around the remnants of one suspected large drone that fell in a commercial area of the city’s Marj al Hamam suburb.

Earlier, Jordan had taken preemptive measures by closing its airspace to all incoming, departing, and transiting aircraft starting from Saturday night. While government spokesperson Muhannad Mubaideen cited precautionary reasons for the airspace closure, he assured that there was no cause for concern among citizens and denied reports of a state of emergency.

Jordan’s strategic location, bordering Syria and Iraq where Iranian proxy forces operate, as well as its proximity to Israel and the Israeli-occupied West Bank, has heightened its security concerns. The country has been vigilant amid escalating tensions in the region, particularly during Israel’s conflict with Hamas, another Iranian ally.

Late last year, Jordan requested the deployment of Patriot air defense systems from the United States to bolster its border defenses. In response, the Pentagon increased military aid to Jordan, a crucial regional ally where hundreds of US troops are stationed and conduct regular exercises with the Jordanian army.

The recent incident marks a continuation of heightened tensions in the region, following a drone attack by Iran-backed militants on US troops near the Syrian border in January, resulting in casualties among US service members.