IS turns its attention to Jordan
Some analysts say the Islamic State attack in Jordan’s Rukban border area was designed to increase IS’ popularity within certain segments of Jordanian society.
AMMAN, Jordan — Prior to the month of Ramadan, Islamic State (IS) spokesman Abu Muhammad al-Adnani called for increased attacks worldwide in an audiotape released on May 21. “Ramadan, the month of conquest and jihad. Get prepared, be ready … to make it a month of calamity everywhere for nonbelievers,” he announced. IS executed this threat by launching attacks across the region including a June 21 suicide truck-bomb attack on Jordanian forces, killing seven and injuring 13 in the Rukban border area.
On June 26, IS claimed responsibility for the strike and posted a video of the bombing on Amaq, a news agency affiliated with the terrorist group. By publicly claiming this attack, IS intensified its ongoing struggle against the Hashemite kingdom. Why did IS strike Jordan?
