His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday stressed that all who dare to target Jordan’s security and the safety of its citizens will be held to account, underlining that Jordan will fight the khawarej (outlaws of Islam) with resolve and strike firmly.

King Abdullah made the remarks while chairing a National Policies Council (NPC) meeting, attended by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, at Al Husseiniya Palace, which focused on the developments related to the terror attack against a joint patrol unit from the Public Security Directorate and the General Directorate of the Gendarmerie in Fuheis city and a raid on the hideout of the terrorist cell behind it in Salt city, in which a number of security personnel were martyred.

His Majesty condoled the nation on its martyrs and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

At the meeting, attended by His Royal Highness Prince Feisal bin Al Hussein, adviser to His Majesty and NPC chairman, and His Royal Highness Prince Rashid bin El Hassan, the King affirmed that Jordan will remain strong and impenetrable in the face of terror and terrorism, with the unity of Jordanians and the vigilance of the Nashama (brave personnel) of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) and security agencies.

His Majesty emphasised that this cowardly terrorist act, and any attack targeting Jordan’s security, will only make Jordanians stronger, more united, and determined to eliminate terrorism and terrorist gangs.

In the face of such incidents, Jordanians grow stronger and more determined to cleanse Jordan and the region from the khawarej, and to protect Islam, the King said.

His Majesty added that this cowardly, criminal act is a reminder that Jordan is targeted by forces of darkness that seek to harm it and its citizens, but the Kingdom’s goal has always been to eradicate terrorism, and Jordan will not waver from this objective despite the sacrifices.

All must stand firmly against dark ideologies, the King stressed, noting that there is no room for hesitance in combating terrorism, for it affects the nation’s present and future.

The country’s strong national front and the awareness of its people, who reject evil ideologies alien to Islam, are the source of its strength and distinguish Jordan, His Majesty affirmed, voicing pride in the bravery of Jordanians and their dedication to safeguarding their country’s security.

The King saluted the Jordanian martyrs who gave their lives for the homeland, adding that they join the ranks of martyrs who have heroically sacrificed their lives in the line of duty and made all Jordanians proud.

His Majesty also praised Jordanians for their patriotism and for relentlessly standing behind the JAF and security agencies as they sacrifice to safeguard the country.

The King added that security personnel selflessly gave their lives because protecting civilians is their priority.

His Majesty voiced pride in JAF and security personnel, as well as the way citizens, media institutions and journalists responded to the latest incidents.

Prime Minister Omar Razzaz, Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Lt. Gen. Mahmoud Freihat, General Intelligence Department Director Maj. Gen. Adnan Jundi, Adviser to His Majesty and Director of the Office of His Majesty Manar Dabbas, Adviser to His Majesty for Tribal Affairs Sharif Fawwaz Zaben Abdullah, and Adviser to His Majesty for Economic Affairs Mohamad Al Ississ attended the meeting.

Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Interior Minister Samir Mubaideen, Minister of State for Media Affairs Jumana Ghunaimat, Public Security Directorate Director Maj. Gen. Fadel Hmoud, General Directorate of the Gendarmerie Director Maj. Gen. Hussein Hawatmeh, and Civil Defence Directorate Director Maj. Gen. Mustafa Bazaiah were also in attendance.