IDF Identifies Iranian Launches Toward Aqaba Near Israeli Territory

JORDAN — The Israel Defense Forces stated on July 19 that launches from Iran toward the city of Aqaba in Jordan, near the territory of the State of Israel, were identified.

The statement noted that there may be spills into Israeli territory as a result of the firing and that alerts may be activated in the south of the country.

If an alert is received, the public is directed to enter protected spaces and remain in them until a new announcement. As of the statement, there is no change in the Home Front Command guidelines.

Additional changes in situation assessments will be communicated to the public accordingly. The identification occurred at approximately 12:08 p.m. UTC.

Aqaba lies on the Gulf of Aqaba adjacent to the Israeli city of Eilat. The statement forms part of an ongoing series of Iranian missile and drone activity involving Jordanian airspace, primarily directed at locations associated with United States forces.

Official Statements

• Israel Defense Forces, July 19: “A short time ago, launches from Iran toward the city of Aqaba in Jordan, near the territory of the State of Israel, were identified. There may be spills into the country’s territory as a result of the firing. As a result, alerts may be activated in the south of the country. If an alert is received, enter protected spaces and remain in them until a new announcement. As of this moment, there is no change in the Home Front Command guidelines. If there are additional changes in the situation assessments, the public will be updated accordingly.”

• U.S. Central Command, July 18: “On July 17, two U.S. service members in Jordan were killed in action as U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and partner forces defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks. Additionally, one service member is currently missing in action. Four American service members were medically evacuated to Jordanian hospitals. They have since been discharged. Other personnel who were evaluated for minor injuries have returned to duty. Out of respect for the families, CENTCOM will withhold additional information, including the identities of the fallen warriors, until 24 hours after the next of kin have been notified.”

• Jordan Armed Forces – Arab Army military source, July 9: “Air defence systems intercepted and shot down eight missiles launched from Iran towards Jordanian territory on Thursday... The interceptions resulted in the fall of missile debris in several areas but caused no casualties or property damage... JAF is closely monitoring ongoing regional developments and remains at the highest level of operational readiness to protect the Kingdom’s airspace, defend its sovereignty, and ensure the safety of its territory... The armed forces will not allow any violation of Jordanian airspace by any party.”

• Jordan Armed Forces – Arab Army military source, July 13: “National air defense systems successfully intercepted and shot down four missiles that breached Jordanian airspace from Iranian territory early Monday morning... The interception operation was executed with high efficiency as part of operational measures to protect the Kingdom’s sovereignty, security, and citizens, confirming that the incident resulted in zero casualties or material damage... Royal Engineering Corps teams handled the fallen debris across several locations in accordance with approved technical and security protocols.”