IDF Says Missiles Were Launched From Iran Toward Jordan; Explosions Heard Near Eilat

The IDF spokesperson said that a short while ago (Sunday), launches were identified from Iran toward the Jordanian city of Aqaba, which borders Israeli territory. The United States intercepted the missiles and said that "air defense systems intercepted and brought down three out of four Iranian missiles aimed at the country". The IDF said several interceptors were launched toward debris from the missile interception.

Explosions were reported heard in Eilat. At the same time, flights from Ramon Airport to Ben Gurion Airport were delayed because they had not received clearance to take off for Ben Gurion. The ynet website reported that a Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv was delayed and ultimately changed course בעקבות האירועים. In a statement distributed by the IDF, it was emphasized that as of now there is no change in Home Front Command guidelines.

The U.S. Embassy in Amman today advised all American citizens staying in the country to avoid going to Aqaba’s international airport and seaport, saying information had been received about a "specific and credible threat." The announcement came amid reports in Arab media that the two facilities had been evacuated because of that threat.

But shortly after the American warning was published, denials came from Jordanian officials. Jordanian sources who spoke with the "Al Arabiya" channel said there was no basis for reports claiming the airport or the port in Aqaba had been evacuated. Qatar’s Al Jazeera television network, citing Jordanian officials, also reported that "there is no truth to what the U.S. Embassy published regarding the evacuation of Aqaba airport and the seaport."

Jordanian government spokesperson Mohammad al-Momani also denied the reports: "The airport and seaport in Aqaba are operating as usual. Any possible danger is being handled by the relevant Jordanian authorities. No threats have been recorded by the authorities in recent hours."

Aqaba Ports Company CEO said operations there were continuing as usual. In an interview with Reuters, he said that "the seaport is operating normally and was not evacuated."

Against the backdrop of the developments in Aqaba, The New York Times published new details about the security situation in Jordan. According to American officials who spoke with the newspaper, the Iranian attack in which two American soldiers were killed on Friday and another soldier was listed as missing was the fourth attack within five days against American forces stationed in Jordan.

Those officials explained that Jordan’s strategic importance to Washington has grown significantly since the fighting began. According to them, the Pentagon moved military forces to the country that had previously been stationed in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, after those countries were considered less secure in light of developments in the region. The forces were redeployed to Jordan and Israel.