Syrian defense minister makes rare visit to Jordan to talk border security, Dara’a situation

Syrian Defense Minister General Ali Abdullah Ayyoub has made a rare trip to neighboring Jordan to discuss stability on their mutual border as well as the situation in Syria’s southwestern city of Dara’a.

According to Press TV, Jordanian Army Head Lieutenant General Yousef Hunaiti met the Syrian military chief on Sunday, and the two sides held talks over the Dara’a situation as well as other issues of mutual interest such as the fight against terrorism and drug smuggling in the area. 

“The talks are within the concern to intensify future coordination over all common issues,” a statement from the Jordanian Army read.

The military talks between Syria and Jordan, informed sources speaking under the condition of anonymity said, also addressed a major spike in cross-border drug smuggling in recent months.

Ayyoub’s visit to Amman is the first since a foreign-backed war on Syria erupted more than a decade ago.

Jordan had for years supported foreign-sponsored Takfiri terrorist groups, which controlled southern Syria, until Syrian government troops and allied forces recaptured Dara’a from militants more than three years ago.

The meeting also comes as Syrian Army soldiers continue their push to retake full control over the areas that Takfiri militants once held in Dara’a.

Last week, Syrian army units entered Dara’a al-Balad neighborhood and raised Syria’s national flags.

ME