AGP Executive Report

Flood Response: The government ordered urgent repairs after heavy rain and flash floods damaged roads and weakened Al-Rama Bridge; a temporary route is planned while the bridge is replaced. Jordan-Syria Tensions: Amman and Damascus agreed to a joint security committee to investigate Jordan’s airstrikes in southern Syria, and the Nasib border crossing has reopened. Jordan says the raids targeted Daesh militants linked to the Karak church attack; Syrian officials report civilian deaths and have disputed coordination. Security and Trade: King Abdullah opened SOFEX 2026 in Aqaba, showcasing defence industries and drawing international delegations. Separately, Jordan’s exports to the EU rose 20% to $518 million in the first seven months of the year.

Jordan–Syria Tensions: Amman and Damascus agreed to establish a joint security committee to review Jordan’s strikes on suspected ISIS sites in southern Syria and improve intelligence coordination. Jordan says more than 20 militants were killed; Syrian authorities report seven civilian deaths. The Nasib border crossing has reopened, and Jordan expressed regret over civilian casualties. Regional Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Iran’s foreign minister discussed efforts to secure a lasting US–Iran ceasefire and prevent further escalation. Economy and Jobs: Umniah’s new Amman data center has received Tier III certification and is nearing launch. The Labour Ministry says undocumented foreign workers have about a month to regularize their status before enforcement action. Public Safety: Search teams recovered one of two girls swept away by flash floods in Madaba and continue searching for the second girl and another person missing in Balqa.

Security and Syria: Jordan says its airstrikes in southern Syria killed more than 20 Islamic State militants linked to last week’s church attack in Karak, where nine people were killed. Three suspects have been arrested. Damascus says the strikes killed seven civilians, including children, denies they were coordinated and closed the Nasib crossing; Amman has expressed regret for civilian deaths, and the two sides plan a joint committee. Jordan-Iraq Ties: King Abdullah and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi discussed regional issues and economic cooperation in Amman, where the countries signed nine agreements covering trade, education, research and environmental protection. Iraq also proposed a bilateral free trade zone.

Security: Jordan says its air force killed more than 20 Islamic State militants in southern Syria in retaliation for the Karak church attack, which killed nine people and wounded 34. Syria reports seven deaths, including children, disputes Jordan’s claim that the strikes were coordinated and has closed the Nasib crossing, suspending passenger and commercial traffic. Jordan has arrested three suspects in the church attack. West Bank: Israeli authorities detained European lawmakers for eight hours and denied them entry from Jordan to meet Palestinian groups and join the olive harvest. Trade: Jordan’s trade deficit narrowed 9.6% in the first seven months of 2026 as national exports rose 6%. Jordan and Iraq also signed nine cooperation agreements, while Jordan and Uzbekistan are pursuing a preferential trade deal covering 300 goods. Aqaba: Canada is investing JD6 million in a project to protect marine and terrestrial biodiversity.

Security: Jordan arrested three suspects after a shootout over Friday’s church attack in Karak, which killed nine people and wounded at least 34. The air force also struck militant hideouts in southern Syria, saying the suspects were linked to groups there and the operation was coordinated with Damascus. Jordan–Iraq Ties: King Abdullah and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi discussed regional issues and bilateral cooperation in Amman, where the two countries signed nine agreements spanning trade, education, culture and environmental protection. Economy: Jordan is targeting $2.27 billion in food exports by 2029, as national exports rose 6% despite regional tensions.

Karak Attack: Jordanian security forces arrested three suspects after a pre-dawn shootout in Karak, where a Friday attack on a Greek Orthodox church funeral killed nine people and wounded dozens. The suspects were injured; no security personnel were hurt. Authorities have not announced any group’s involvement. Security Response: King Abdullah vowed a forceful response, while Interior Minister Mazen al-Faraya said investigators would examine what led to the attack and hold anyone involved accountable. National Unity: The royal family joined mourners in Hamoud, and Jordan’s three-day mourning period and public vigils underscored calls for solidarity across the country. Regional Support: Foreign ministers from Arab and other countries condemned the attack and expressed condolences, affirming support for Jordan’s security and stability.

Karak Attack: Jordan mourned nine people killed when gunmen opened fire at a funeral in St George’s Greek Orthodox Church in Hamoud. Dozens were wounded; authorities described the shooting as a terrorist attack, and the attackers remain at large. King Abdullah vowed the harshest penalties, while Prime Minister Jafar Hassan joined thousands at the victims’ funerals. National Unity: Jordanians from across the country, including Muslim leaders, gathered in solidarity with the Christian community. King Abdullah said the attack would not divide the country, as vigils and condolences from abroad underscored support for Jordan’s religious coexistence. Economy: Jordan’s economy is reported to be growing despite regional tensions, with investment and industrial production among the areas drawing attention.

Karak Attack: Gunmen opened fire during a funeral at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church in Hamoud, killing nine and wounding dozens. Jordan declared three days of mourning, stepped up security and launched a hunt for the attackers. King Abdullah vowed the harshest penalties, while officials said investigations into the assailants and their motives are ongoing. National Unity: The attack prompted widespread condemnation and condolences from regional and international leaders. Jordan’s Christian and Muslim communities have voiced solidarity, rejecting attempts to sow division. Economic Links: Jordan’s free-zone trade reached JD2.789 billion in the first nine months of 2026. A planned UAE-backed freight railway linking Aqaba and Ma’an also promises new trade and investment opportunities.

Karak Attack: The death toll from Friday’s gun attack during a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in Hamoud has risen to nine, with dozens injured. Authorities are searching for the attackers; no group has claimed responsibility. King Abdullah chaired a National Security Council meeting, vowed a firm response and stressed the attack would not divide Jordanians. Jordan declared three days of mourning. Regional Security: The U.S. is reducing staffing at its embassy in Jordan and several regional posts amid intelligence warnings of advanced Iranian plots against Americans. The U.S. Embassy has urged caution as Jordan tightens security. Health Services: Qatar Charity opened a QR10 million health centre in Mafraq, offering emergency care, radiology, dental services and clinics for chronic illnesses and maternal and child health. Investment: Jordan’s UAE-backed $2.5 billion freight railway project is expected to link Aqaba and Ma’an, opening new transport and investment opportunities.

Karak Attack: The death toll from Friday’s shooting at a Greek Orthodox church in Hammoud, Karak, rose to eight after a wounded victim died. Forty people were injured; 26 remain in hospital, including one in critical condition. Authorities are hunting the attackers, whom officials called extremists, and no group has claimed responsibility. Jordan declared three days of mourning, stepped up security at public sites and embassies, and King Abdullah vowed the perpetrators would face the harshest punishment. Economic Outlook: The IMF kept its growth forecasts for Jordan unchanged despite regional conflict. Trade and Transport: Jordan broke ground on a UAE-backed $2.5 billion freight railway project, expected to open new economic opportunities.

Karak Attack: At least seven people were killed and dozens injured when gunmen opened fire on mourners at a Greek Orthodox church funeral in Karak. Jordanian officials called it a terrorist attack, and security forces are hunting the assailants. King Abdullah vowed the harshest punishment and stressed the attack would not divide Jordanians. Regional Solidarity: The UAE, Qatar, Oman, the GCC, Spain and Lebanon condemned the shooting and expressed support for Jordan.

Regional Security: Jordan condemned Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd International Airport, while King Abdullah reiterated Jordan’s rejection of Israeli actions on Syrian territory. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi held regional security talks with Saudi Arabia, and Amman hosted the first Kuwaiti-Jordanian consular committee meeting to improve coordination and services for citizens. U.S. Ties: Reports say U.S. forces are being reduced at bases including Jordan as Washington and Israel prepare possible post-midterm strikes on Iran. U.S. lawmakers are also weighing a $2.1 billion aid increase for Jordan. Investment: Jordan has broken ground on a UAE-backed $2.5 billion mining railway, planned to carry 16 million tonnes a year and create about 5,000 jobs.

Syria and Regional Security: King Abdullah reaffirmed Jordan’s rejection of Israeli attacks on Syrian territory during talks with Syria’s foreign minister, which also focused on expanding cooperation and easing regional tensions. Saudi Arabia: Jordan condemned the Houthi attack on King Fahd International Airport as the US ordered non-emergency staff and families to leave Saudi Arabia; Amman and Riyadh are also stepping up diplomatic coordination. Economic Development: Jordan signed a new copper-mining agreement for the southern region. Orange Jordan also held startup networking events in Amman, Aqaba and Irbid, linking entrepreneurs with investors and private-sector partners through an EU- and German-backed programme. US Aid: A proposal in Congress would increase assistance to Jordan by $2.1 billion following the Iran attack.

Regional Security: The U.S. is moving some troops from bases in Jordan, Qatar and Kuwait as tensions with Iran rise. Officials have not said the redeployment means a strike is imminent; Washington says its Saudi embassy staffing cuts are linked to Houthi threats. Mining and Investment: Jordan signed a new copper-mining agreement for the south, while the planned Aqaba–Ma’an railway and dry port are expected to support investment. Jordan–Saudi Ties: Amman and Riyadh signed an amended protocol for their Supreme Coordination Council and discussed regional developments, as Jordan condemned Houthi attacks. Tourism and Heritage: The Jordan Tourism Board is open to adding car rentals to the Salamtek platform for medical visitors, and the Cabinet approved a nature reserve at Bethany Beyond the Jordan ahead of the 2030 baptism anniversary. Markets: Trading on the Amman Stock Exchange reached JD12.6 million.

Regional Diplomacy: Jordan and Saudi Arabia updated their agreement to establish a Supreme Coordination Council, while Amman condemned Houthi attacks. Heritage and Environment: The Cabinet approved making Bethany Beyond the Jordan a nature reserve ahead of the 2030 baptism anniversary. Transport and Investment: Jordan launched a $2.5 billion UAE-backed mining railway project, expected to link Aqaba with production areas and support exports and jobs. Economic Outlook: Jordan ranked third globally for “sound money,” as officials highlighted the country’s monetary stability despite global pressures.

Water Security: Jordan is seeking government, bank and international financing for the National Water Carrier, a major test of funding large infrastructure. The Nov. 19 Jordan-EU Investment Conference will showcase more than 40 opportunities worth over $15 billion, including projects in water, energy and logistics. Economic Shift: Growth and investment are spreading across more sectors, including technology, transport and energy, though experts say stronger productivity and job creation are needed to sustain the trend. Industry and Energy: The Cabinet approved a 2026–36 strategy to develop drone manufacturing locally, while a World Economic Forum report identifies geothermal potential near the eastern Dead Sea as a possible source of steady, low-carbon power. Refugee Support: WFP assistance reached about 78,000 refugees in Jordan in September, but funding shortages have reduced the monthly allowance to $21 per person. Salt Heritage: “Salt: History and Civilization” takes place next Saturday, with heritage routes and a national narrative project spotlighting the city’s historic neighbourhoods and traditions of coexistence.