Jordan says it can handle Syrian chemical threat

US and British military experts have trained Jordanians on protecting civilians in the case of attack

30 December 2012, 1:09 pm

Edit

AMMAN, Jordan (AP) — Jordan says it is prepared to deal with any potential chemical weapon threat posed by the ongoing violence in neighboring Syria, but adds it will not enter “any alliance” to protect itself.

Jordan, the US and others have expressed concern that Syrian President Bashar Assad could use chemical weapons in a last-ditch effort to save his regime.

Information Minister Sameeh Maaytah did not provide details on Jordan’s capabilities to thwart a chemical attack in remarks carried by the official Petra news agency Sunday.

But other Jordanian officials have said US and British military experts have provided training in protecting civilians in case of a chemical attack on Jordanian territory.

Maaytah also said the 21-month Syrian crisis has put enormous pressure on Jordan’s infrastructure as it now hosts 275,000 refugees.