Terrorist Attacks Tourists in Jordan

By Douglas V. Gibbs
Author, Speaker, Instructor, Radio Host

In Jordan a tourist area was targeted in a terrorist attack that killed ten, and wounded 34.  The gunmen, after firing at police officers at two locations, retreated to a tourist rich ancient castle where the attackers were ultimately killed.  In the process, seven members of security forces, two Jordanian civilians and a Canadian tourist were killed.  Of the thirty-four people wounded, 15 were members of security forces, 17 were Jordanian civilians and two were foreign tourists.

Authorities during the subsequent investigation found explosives, including suicide belts, in a house they raided in al-Qatraneh, where the shooting started.

Jordan has been one of the countries in the Middle East that has served as an ally to the United States in foiling several terror plots.  The country has not been accepting of groups like the Muslim Brotherhood, and in turn has not suffered as much violence as other Arab nations.

This year, however, Jordan has suffered more attacks than normal, and the increase in incidents has affected tourism.  In response, Jordan has increased security around tourist sites in recent years.

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary