King of Jordan appoints new intelligence chief Adnan Issam al Jundi replaces Faisal al Shwabka

(ANSAmed) - AMMAN, MARCH 30 - King Abdullah of Jordan on Thursday sacked intelligence chief Faisal al Shwabka and appointed Adnan Issam al Jundi at the helm of the powerful security body.



A royal degree said that king Abdullah had accepted resignation of Shawabka and appointed him as special adviser and appointed Jundi in the hot seat.



The move comes against the backdrop of a recent reshuffle in the army and police services in light of criticism to security forces following attack on Karak castle by pro-Islamic State militants. The kingdom has witnessed a spike in attacks by the extremist group during the past year including an attack on an intelligence office north Amman, suicide bombs on border guards and foiled attacks against various targets in the kingdom.



The intelligence department has come under fire after a US report revealed that some of its members sold Syrian rebels' bound weapons in the black market. The failure to handle Karak attack added further pressure on its generals. Some of the stolen weapons were used in an attack that killed two Americans and three others at a police training facility in Amman. Jordan plays a leading role in the military campaign waged in Syria to root out IS from its northern borders. (ANSAmed).



