The Jordanian Embassy in Washington, D.C., has firmly rejected claims made in a recent article by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), describing them as “completely unfounded and entirely false.” The WSJ report, titled “Syrian Rebels’ Lightning Offensive Zeroes in on Major City,” alleged that Jordanian and Egyptian officials had advised Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to leave Syria and form a government in exile amidst escalating conflict in the country.
In a statement issued to The Jordan Times, the embassy criticized the WSJ’s reporting for a lack of verification. “The claim that Jordanian officials urged President Assad to leave Syria and form a government in exile is entirely baseless. We regret that such a reputable media outlet would publish unverified and misleading information without proper fact-checking,” the statement read. The embassy called on the WSJ to issue an immediate correction, asserting that no effort was made to seek confirmation from Jordanian officials, which it described as a “serious breach of journalistic standards.”
This controversy arises as Syria faces renewed violence, with opposition forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) fighters, capturing major cities including Aleppo and Hama. These developments have further destabilized the region, prompting international concern and mass civilian displacements.
In response to the deteriorating security situation, Jordan has taken precautionary measures. On Friday, the Kingdom announced the closure of the Jaber border crossing with Syria, citing escalating violence near the southern border. Interior Minister Mazen Faraya confirmed that the crossing will remain partially operational to allow Jordanian citizens to return but will suspend passenger and cargo movement into Syria. The closure reflects mounting concerns over the conflict’s spillover effects on Jordan’s border regions.
The Foreign Ministry has urged Jordanians currently in Syria to leave the country immediately. Spokesperson Sufian Qudah revealed that a “crisis cell” has been activated to facilitate the evacuation and ensure the safe return of citizens. This move underscores Jordan’s commitment to safeguarding its nationals as violence intensifies in its northern neighbor.
The ongoing conflict has also drawn attention to broader geopolitical implications. The insurgent advance, marked by the swift capture of key urban centers, signals a potential turning point in Syria’s protracted civil war. Observers warn of further destabilization in the region, with fears of intensified clashes along Syria’s southern borders.
The Wall Street Journal has yet to respond to Jordan’s demands for a retraction or clarification of the report. As the situation unfolds, regional stakeholders and the international community continue to monitor developments closely, underscoring the far-reaching implications of Syria’s deepening crisis.
