On 19th Anniversary of Amman Bombings, Jordan’s Anti-Terrorism Stance Unwavering.

Amman: Nineteen years on, Jordanians recall the deadly Amman hotel bombings that tested the nation's resolve, but bolstered its unity against terrorism. The 2005 attacks at three hotels in the capital, which claimed 56 lives and injured more than 115 people, marked a turning point in the kingdom's security approach and counter-terrorism efforts. According to Jordan News Agency, the "Black Wednesday" attacks of November 9, 2005, claimed by Al-Qaeda, marked a U-turn in Jordan's security infrastructure, particularly regarding vital installations, such as hotels, shopping centers, broadcast stations, and major public sector facilities, said Retired Major General Abdullah Al-Hasanat. "The attacks were a wake-up call," Al-Hasanat told Petra, recalling that many stringent security measures implemented at the time remained in force today, including mandatory explosive detection devices and security deployments at key facilities. Khaled Shanikat, President of the Jordan Political Science Association, highlighted tha t Jordan officially stepped up counter-terrorism efforts in 2014 through joining the international coalition. The kingdom has ever since developed a comprehensive strategy that significantly curtailed terrorist threats through successful security operations and intelligence cooperation with regional and global partners. "Jordan's response to the 2005 attacks was measured and comprehensive across security, political, and legal fronts," said Constitutional law professor Dr. Laith Nasraween, adding that the state managed to absorb the public shock while maintaining social peace and security, under the direct supervision of His Majesty King Abdullah II. In the response to the attacks, Jordan enacted the Anti-Terrorism Law No. 55 of 2006, which broadened the definition of terrorist acts and established stricter penalties, including capital punishment for acts resulting in death. The kingdom further backed its legal framework in 2007 with legislation to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. "Today's reg ional situation requires a prompt and firm response," Al-Hasanat emphasized, calling for vigilance and cooperation with security agencies. "Under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II and Crown Prince Hussein, we must prioritize national interests above all else, given the complex regional circumstances," he said.