Jordan vows to continue fight against ‘terrorism’ after deadly Amman attack

Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan vowed Friday to continue the country’s fight against terrorism and extremism, a day after a policeman was killed in an attack in the capital Amman.

In a post on US social media platform X, Hassan mourned Corporal Jawad al-Salayta, who was killed Thursday while on duty, and offered condolences to his family. He also wished injured officer Firas al-Ananzeh a speedy recovery.

“Jordan’s battle against terrorism and extremism continues,” Hassan said, stressing that the country would not tolerate extremist ideology targeting its security and social stability.

“We will strike with an iron fist the dens of extremists and terrorists and everyone who cooperates with them,” he added.

Earlier Friday, thousands of Jordanians attended al-Salayta’s funeral, which was also attended by Deputy King Prince Faisal bin Al Hussein.

Jordan’s Public Security Directorate said Thursday that al-Salayta was fatally stabbed with a sharp object on Medina Street in Amman, while another police officer was injured while intervening to subdue the attacker.

The directorate said the assailant surprised and attacked the policeman before a patrol intervened and arrested him.

The officer commanding the patrol suffered a facial injury during the confrontation and was in stable condition, while al-Salayta died after being taken to a hospital.

Authorities said an investigation had been launched, with preliminary findings indicating that the suspect had intended and planned to carry out a “terrorist act” targeting Public Security personnel.