AGP Executive Report

Karak Trial: Jordan’s State Security Court opened proceedings against defendants charged over the October church attack, which killed nine people. The charges include carrying out terrorist acts resulting in deaths. IMF Funding: Jordan and the IMF reached a staff-level agreement that could unlock about $294 million, subject to approval by IMF management and the Fund’s board. Defense: The US has proposed supplying Jordan with precision-guided rockets to strengthen its strike and counter-drone capabilities. Social Affairs: Nearly 8,000 people were apprehended for begging through October, the Social Development Ministry said; one woman was found carrying $46,600. Healthcare: Six more Amman health centres have introduced a digital service for ordering chronic medication, following a pilot that served 2,350 patients. Weather: Rain is forecast across northern and central Jordan on Friday, with heavy showers possible in some areas; fog may reduce visibility in the northern highlands and plains.

Jordan–Saudi Ties: Crown Prince Hussein’s visit to Riyadh reaffirmed Jordan’s support for Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks, with both sides pledging closer cooperation. Karak Attack: Three suspects have been charged with terrorism offences over the church shooting that killed nine people and injured 34; the case is headed to the State Security Court. Workers’ Rights: Female teachers in Irbid say some private schools offered monthly pay as low as JD80, below Jordan’s JD290 minimum wage, alongside unpaid training and heavy workloads. Weather: Friday could bring widespread showers, locally heavy in northern and central Jordan, after mild conditions midweek. Jordan–Syria Security: Recent Jordanian airstrikes in southern Syria have exposed tensions between the neighbours, despite both governments signalling they want to preserve cooperation. Travel: British Airways is scheduled to resume flights to Amman on 4 November, with four services a week.

Economic Outlook: Jordan’s 2027 budget targets 3.1% growth, with planned salary increases, major projects and expanded social protection. Zarqa’s commercial exports reached JD47.7 million in October. Royal Speech: King Abdullah vowed to confront terrorism after nine people were killed in the Karak church attack, warned that Israeli expansion threatens regional stability and said there can be no security without Palestinian rights. He also declared water security a non-negotiable national priority. Border Security: Jordan and Syria agreed to establish a joint committee to investigate deadly airstrikes in southern Syria, amid tensions over civilian casualties. Zarqa Accident: Thirteen people were moderately injured when two buses collided near the Free Zone; an investigation is under way.

Royal Address: King Abdullah opened parliament Monday, vowing to defend Jordan’s unity after nine people were killed in a church attack in Karak. He also called Israel’s expansionist ambitions a threat to regional stability, backed Palestinians’ right to a homeland and declared water security a national priority. Border Security: The army said it repelled an armed group of 14 attempting to cross from Syria after a firefight; the group fled back across the border. Regional Diplomacy: Jordan and Egypt urged de-escalation and political solutions. Amman and Damascus have also agreed to a joint security committee and investigation after Jordanian strikes in southern Syria triggered disputes over civilian casualties. Economy and Tourism: Jordanian banks’ combined net profits rose 4% in the first nine months of 2026, while Zarqa’s commercial exports reached JD47.7 million in October. Royal Jordanian also launched its JorDONE campaign to promote the country to international visitors.

Parliament and Security: King Abdullah opened parliament on Monday, vowing Jordan would not let terrorists undermine national unity after nine people were killed in the Karak church attack. He also called Palestinians’ right to a homeland essential to regional stability and described water security as a non-negotiable national priority. Syrian Border: Jordan’s army says it repelled 14 armed men attempting to cross from Syria under heavy gunfire; some fled back across the border. The incident adds to pressure on a frontier troubled by smuggling and recent tensions with Damascus. Economy and Tourism: Zarqa’s commercial exports approached JD47.7 million in October. Royal Jordanian launched its JorDONE campaign to promote Jordan to international travellers.

Tourism: Royal Jordanian has launched its “JorDONE” campaign to promote Jordan’s mix of familiar landmarks and less expected experiences, as the airline expands into tour operations. Regional Security: Jordan condemned an attack on a Qatari LNG carrier in the Arabian Gulf. Separately, the Syrian foreign minister said no border clashes had occurred after Jordanian forces’ report of an attempted crossing by 14 armed men was removed from the military website; accounts of the incident remain disputed. Transport: Jordan’s BRT network has carried 80.7 million passengers since operations began, including on routes linking Amman with Zarqa, Madaba and Salt. Household Costs: Diesel, kerosene and cooking gas prices are unchanged for November, while 90-octane gasoline rose by 30 fils per litre and 95-octane by 15 fils. Business: The Jordan Loan Guarantee Corporation expanded guarantees to JD463 million through the third quarter, including support for small businesses, startups and exporters.

Border Security: Jordan’s military said it repelled an armed group of 14 attempting to cross from Syria, but later removed its statement. Syria’s foreign minister said no clashes occurred, leaving accounts of the incident in dispute amid strained ties after Jordan’s recent strikes in southern Syria. Regional Diplomacy: Jordan condemned an attack on a Qatari LNG carrier in the Arabian Gulf, calling it a threat to maritime navigation and expressing solidarity with Qatar. Household Costs: Diesel, kerosene and cooking gas prices will stay unchanged in November, while 90-octane gasoline rises 30 fils per litre and 95-octane rises 15 fils. Transport: Jordan’s BRT network has recorded 80.7 million passenger trips since operations began, including routes linking Amman with Zarqa, Madaba and Salt. Investment: Jordan and the UAE discussed private-sector investment in water infrastructure, while the Jordan Loan Guarantee Corporation reported JD463 million in guarantees through the third quarter, supporting businesses and exporters.

Northern Border: Jordan’s military initially reported thwarting an armed group of 14 crossing from Syria, but later removed its statement. Syria denied clashes, while a Syrian security source said Jordanian guards may have mistaken children near the border for infiltrators. Weapons Smuggling: Police in Karak seized nine automatic weapons and GPS devices from a bag reportedly carried across the border by hot-air balloons. Business and Finance: The Jordan Loan Guarantee Corporation’s guarantees rose to JD463 million through September, supporting small businesses, startups and exporters. Municipal Affairs: Proposed electoral-rule changes will focus on four municipalities separated from larger ones in 2023, with regulations expected before the new Local Administration Law takes effect on November 9. Weather: Pleasant conditions are forecast across most of Jordan, with fog possible in high areas and dust reducing visibility in the Badia.

Border Security: Jordan’s armed forces said they stopped 14 armed individuals trying to enter from Syria after a firefight Friday; some members of the group were wounded and the rest fled back across the border. The incident comes days after Jordanian strikes in southern Syria, which Amman said targeted militants linked to the deadly Karak church attack. Jordan and Syria have agreed to establish a joint security committee. Transport: A new Irbid–Amman bus route begins Saturday, linking Irbid’s New Amman terminal with the capital’s South Bus Terminal for JD2.25. Buses will offer electronic payment and free Wi-Fi. Entrepreneurship: A government-GIZ project that supported 697 startups, including 427 women-led businesses, has concluded; participating firms reported creating 748 jobs. Health: The King Hussein Cancer Foundation honoured Qatar Charity for a partnership that has helped hundreds of patients, including refugees, access treatment. Trade: Fifteen Jordanian companies will showcase food, cosmetics and packaging products at three Dubai trade fairs next week, seeking new export markets.

Weather: Temperatures are set to rise slightly Saturday, with mild conditions across most of Jordan. Fog may reduce visibility in highlands, the Badia and plains early in the day, while dust could affect the eastern Badia at night. Jordan-Syria Security: Amman and Damascus have agreed to a joint security committee and reopened their border crossing after Jordanian strikes in southern Syria. Jordan says it targeted Daesh militants linked to the deadly Karak church attack; Damascus reported civilian deaths, and Jordan expressed regret. Jordan has arrested three suspects in the church attack, which killed nine people and prompted a wave of solidarity with the Christian community. Transport: A new Irbid-Amman bus route starts Saturday, linking Irbid’s New Amman Complex with Amman’s Southern Bus Terminal for JD2.25 per trip. Buses will offer electronic payment and free Wi-Fi. Economy: The Central Bank of Jordan kept policy rates unchanged, citing steady inflation, foreign reserves of $28.5 billion and 3% year-on-year growth in the second quarter.

Security & Syria: Jordan and Syria have agreed to a joint committee and investigation after Jordanian strikes in southern Syria, and the Jaber crossing has reopened. Amman says it targeted Daesh militants linked to the Karak church attack that killed nine people; Damascus says civilians were among those killed, and Jordan has expressed regret. Community: Amid grief over the attack, a Jordanian interfaith expert stressed Christians’ deep roots and role in the country, as a conference in Amman highlighted coexistence and inclusive citizenship. Transport: A new Irbid–Amman bus service starts Saturday, with a JD2.25 fare, electronic payments and free Wi-Fi. Economy: The Central Bank held interest rates steady, citing stable inflation, strong reserves and 3% year-on-year growth in the second quarter.

Syria Tensions: Jordan and Syria have agreed to a joint security committee after Jordanian airstrikes in southern Syria killed civilians. Amman said it targeted Daesh militants linked to the deadly Karak church attack and expressed regret over civilian deaths; the border crossing has reopened. Regional Diplomacy: Jordan’s foreign minister discussed Palestine and regional developments with Türkiye’s top diplomat, while talks with Qatar focused on de-escalation and security. Transport: A new Irbid–Amman bus route starts Saturday, charging JD2.25 for the 94-kilometre trip, with fixed schedules, electronic payment and free Wi-Fi. On the Calendar: Australia’s Socceroos are scheduled to play Jordan in an international friendly at Amman International Stadium on November 17.

Jordan-Syria Tensions: Amman says its strikes in southern Syria killed more than 20 ISIS fighters after last week’s church attack in Karak, which killed nine people. Damascus reports civilian deaths, including children, and disputes Jordan’s account of coordination. Jordan has expressed regret, and the two countries agreed to investigate through a joint security committee; the Nasib crossing has reopened. Regional Diplomacy: Jordan’s Ayman Safadi and Türkiye’s Hakan Fidan discussed Palestine and regional stability, while Safadi also met Qatar’s prime minister for talks on de-escalation and security. Public Transport: A new Irbid–Amman bus route starts Saturday, linking Irbid’s New Amman Complex to the capital’s South Bus Terminal for JD2.25, with electronic payment and free Wi-Fi. Economy: The Central Bank held interest rates steady, citing stable inflation, strong reserves and 3% annual GDP growth in the second quarter. Meanwhile, domestic crude oil production fell 83% from 2021 to 2025 as imports rose.

Syria Tensions: Jordan and Syria agreed to a joint committee to examine Jordan’s airstrikes in southern Syria, after Damascus reported seven civilian deaths and Amman expressed regret. The Nasib border crossing has reopened, restoring passenger and commercial traffic. Regional Diplomacy: King Abdullah and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met Qatar’s prime minister in Amman to discuss bilateral ties, regional de-escalation and security. Flood Response: Authorities are assessing flood damage and arranging repairs, while rescue teams continue searching for two people after one of two girls swept away in Madaba was found dead. Energy and Trade: Jordan’s crude oil production fell 83% from 2021 to 2025 as petroleum imports rose, underscoring the challenge of meeting growing demand. Meanwhile, industry leaders say the Kingdom could expand its role as a regional logistics hub. Weather: Light rain is possible in northern Jordan; forecasters warn of morning fog and slippery roads.

Syria Border Tensions: Jordan and Syria agreed to investigate Monday’s airstrikes through a joint security committee, and reopened the Nassib-Jaber crossing. Amman said the strikes killed more than 20 Daesh militants but expressed regret after Syria reported seven civilian deaths, including three children. Floods and Roads: Flash floods swept away two girls in Madaba; rescuers found one body and continued searching for the second girl and another missing person in Balqa. Public Works ordered urgent repairs to damaged roads and a bridge in Balqa, with a temporary route planned. Storm Warning: Showers and thunderstorms may bring more flash flooding in valleys and low-lying areas; authorities urged people to avoid flooded roads. Royal Diplomacy: King Abdullah met Qatar’s prime minister in Amman to discuss bilateral ties, while Jordan and Qatar also discussed regional de-escalation.

Flood Response: Rescue teams recovered one of two girls swept away by flash floods in Madaba and are searching for her companion and another person missing in Balqa. Heavy showers and thunderstorms could trigger further flooding in valleys and low-lying areas. Jordan-Syria Tensions: The neighbours agreed to establish a joint security committee after Jordan’s strikes in southern Syria. Amman says the raids killed more than 20 ISIS fighters; Syrian authorities report seven civilian deaths. Jordan expressed regret, and Syria has reopened the main border crossing. Karak Attack: Three suspects were arrested after a shootout over last week’s church shooting, which killed nine people. Regional Diplomacy: Jordan and Iran discussed efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire between the United States and Tehran. Jordan-Iraq Ties: Amman and Baghdad signed nine cooperation agreements covering areas including education, environmental protection and economic affairs.