Jordan Times
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Jordan arrests 20 over
Hamas’ plots, seizes Iranian-made rockets
Confessions of some detainees to be televised today on Jordan TV
By Khaled Nuaimat
AMMAN — The government on Wednesday said
authorities arrested 20 suspects and seized smuggled Iranian-made Katyusha
rockets in its investigation into Hamas’ plots to attack officials, military
officers and other targets in Jordan.
Government Spokesperson Nasser Judeh told reporters yesterday that the probe
also revealed attempts to recruit individuals in Jordan on behalf of Hamas and
bring recruits from the Palestinian territories to send them to Syria and Iran
to receive "military, security and intelligence” training.
Judeh said confessions of some of the detainees will be televised today on
Jordan Television.
Judeh, who did not accuse Syria or Iran of involvement in arms smuggling or
training of suspects, said a Palestinian security team headed by intelligence
chief Major General Tareq Abu Rajab is currently in Amman to examine the issue.
Top General Intelligence Department officials briefed Abu Rajab and his team on
Hamas’ plots, the minister said.
Judeh yesterday called on the Hamas-led government to reconsider its refusal to
take part in the delegation.
The Katyusha rockets and LAW anti-tank missiles were stockpiled in Jordan, Judeh
said, adding that the government suspects that more hidden weapons have yet to
be found.
He added that the Palestinian government will be asked to dispatch military
experts to help uncover the arms.
“This poses a major threat to the national security of Jordan, and those behind
it will be held accountable,” Judeh warned.
The government said last month rocket launchers, detonators and explosives
seized from a secret Hamas arms cache in the country had been smuggled from
Syria, where the Palestinian group's exiled leadership is based. It announced
the arrest of Hamas members who received orders from a Syria-based leader to
carry out attacks in the Kingdom. Hamas repeatedly denied any involvement.
After the arms cache discovery, Jordan cancelled a planned visit by Palestinian
Foreign Minister Mahmoud Zahar.