Drama in Jordan: Israel uncovers coup attempt against Abdullah; wave of arrests

April 3, 2021   

Jordanian authorities thwarted a coup attempt against King Abdullah II this evening (Saturday night). According to a report in the Washington Post, more than twenty people were arrested in the process, including the previous crown prince in the kingdom, Prince Hamza, son of King Hussein from his marriage to Queen Noor. The kingdom's official news agency denies the reports. According to some reports, Prince Hamza is being held in a palace in the capital Amman under heavy guard, and that he received the news of his arrest from senior military officials who came to the palace where he lives. According to the Washington Post, a senior royal official claims that the prince's arrest is part of the foiling of a widespread coup plan in which another member of the royal family and other tribal leaders and commanders in the Jordanian army participated. According to the reports, among the other detainees in the affair is Bassam Awdallah, who for many years served as the king's right-hand man and even served as the country's finance minister. Awadlallah is considered one of those responsible for many of the economic reforms and moves in Jordan in recent years. The Jordanian security establishment makes it clear that additional arrests of elements suspected of involvement in the affair are likely to be expected. A senior intelligence source in Jordan told Israel Hayom: "Friendly countries have warned of an attempt by Jordanian elements to harm the security of the kingdom and the stability of the royal family. An intelligence investigation that was conducted revealed serious and worrying findings about a plot hatched to seize power in Jordan by elements within the royal family who were activated and supported by agents and external elements. The arrests will continue until the last of the liaison officers is captured." The Jordanian source added that the information about the arrests was information that led to the liaison officers from the American CIA and Israeli intelligence. Jordan has informed Israel that the situation in the kingdom is under control and there is no concern for the stability of the country.