AMMAN, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Jordan on Friday announced a temporary closure of its airspace to all civilian flights in response to the heightened regional tension following an Israeli strike on Iran.
Meanwhile, the Jordanian King Hussein Bridge Administration announced the closure of the bridge to passenger movement after it was closed from the Israeli side, the state-run Petra news agency reported.
Such decisions come as Jordan was caught in the crossfire of hostilities between Israel and Iran.
A military source at the Jordan Armed Forces confirmed that its fighter jets and air defense systems intercepted several missiles and drones that entered Jordanian airspace earlier Friday.
The source said the interception was based on military assessments indicating a high likelihood that the missiles and drones could land within Jordanian territory, including populated areas, potentially causing casualties and damage.
"The Jordan Armed Forces ... will not permit any violation of Jordanian airspace under any circumstances," the source added, noting its fighter jets are conducting intensified air patrols across the kingdom's airspace.
In a diplomatic push to contain the crisis, Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi held urgent phone calls with several foreign ministers across the region and Europe, according to statements from the Jordanian Foreign Ministry.
During the calls, the ministers condemned Israel's strike on Iran and emphasized the need for de-escalation and collective regional security efforts. Enditem
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