WSJ: Jordan Increased Syria Rebels Support, Arms Transfer

Local Editor

The US "Wall Street Journal" revealed Sunday that "Jordan has stepped up its support for neighboring Syria's political and military opposition, including allowing some arms to flow across the border."

According to Syrian rebels, "Several shipments of arms-including assault rifles, Russian-designed antitank missiles and ammunition-have been delivered to the border in Jordanian military trucks and then taken into Syria by rebel brigades."
"Dozens of other shipments have been smuggled to Syria with the covert support of Jordanian border officials," they added.

Moreover, rebel fighters based along the Syria-Jordan border and a person involved in arms procurement for the rebels informed the daily that "Saudi Arabia and Qatar pay for these arms and transport them to Jordan."
"Such an energized supply route through Jordan would show how even regional states...are boosting support against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, with the tacit backing of Western allies," it commented.

The kingdom's growing involvement with the activities of Syrian rebels was outlined by six rebel officers and opposition politicians, two of which are directly involved in the procurement or transfer of arms into Syria. Several say they have met with Jordanian officials. A non-Jordanian Arab official confirmed the characterization of the kingdom's role.

In parallel, the daily reported that "Jordanian intelligence officials routinely host meetings with these "Free Syrian Army" leaders, helping facilitate their movement back and forth from Syria and discussing military strategy, people familiar with the meetings say."
"Jordan also allows American intelligence officials to question and cultivate contacts with defected Syrian military officials," the rebels added.

The Syrian groups receiving arms from the Jordanian border are now connected to the military councils that have been vetted by Washington and others, said people involved in the transaction.
Some of the weapons said to be entering Syria through Jordan are destined for the southern Syrian border town of Dera'a. Most of the arms, though, were pushed north to the suburbs of Damascus, 60 miles north, in possible preparation for a push on the capital, according to rebel leaders.


Source: WSJ, Edited by moqawwama.org