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Jordan Bans Muslim Brotherhood Amid Security Concerns

In a significant move, the government of Jordan has declared a ban on the Muslim Brotherhood, following the arrest of several members believed to be involved in planning potential rocket and drone attacks. This decision marks a tightening of state measures against the Islamist group, which has been a longstanding presence in the country.

Interior Minister Mazen al-Faraya announced during a press briefing that all offices affiliated with the Brotherhood would be shuttered, and their assets seized. Furthermore, any activities linked to the organization will be deemed illegal, signaling a crackdown on its operations.

The Muslim Brotherhood has yet to respond officially to the ban, but representatives of the group have denied any connection to the alleged plots. Speculation remains about the implications of this ban on the Brotherhood’s political wing, the Islamic Action Front (IAF), which is recognized as the largest opposition faction in Jordan’s parliament. Police action followed Faraya’s statement, with reports of a raid on the IAF’s headquarters.

Wael Saqqa, the IAF’s secretary general, defended the organization’s autonomy from the Brotherhood, stating that it operates as an independent political entity, separate from any other organizational bodies. “We always declare that we are committed to order, the law, and the provisions of the constitution,” he reaffirmed.

Historically, in 2020, Jordan’s highest court ruled that the Brotherhood was “dissolved” due to its unresolved legal status. Despite this ruling, the organization continued to participate in the political landscape, with the IAF securing 31 out of 138 parliamentary seats in the last elections.

Last week, the General Intelligence Department of Jordan disclosed the arrest of 16 individuals suspected of orchestrating attacks that threatened national security, described as efforts to “sow chaos and sabotage.” The alleged activities included the possession of explosives and automatic weapons, the production of rockets, and plans for drone manufacturing, along with training initiatives both domestically and internationally.

During the news conference, Faraya emphasized that alleged Brotherhood members operate covertly, claiming they engage in activities that could jeopardize public order and security. He reported that evidence indicated explosives and weapons were being transported and stored in residential areas, alongside undisclosed rocket manufacturing sites and recruitment operations.

Furthermore, Faraya asserted that members of the Brotherhood had attempted to destroy documents at their headquarters, implying an effort to obscure their operations and connections. The Brotherhood, for its part, strongly refutes any claims of involvement in or knowledge of the alleged attack scenarios, maintaining a stance of commitment to peaceful advocacy.

The Muslim Brotherhood, established nearly a century ago in Egypt, has expanded its influence with branches worldwide. Its foundational objective includes establishing governance based on Islamic law, or Sharia. The organization faces bans in several Arab nations, with many governments regarding it as a security threat.

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