A regional security channel reports that Jordan is evacuating the port and airport of Aqaba due to a specific and credible threat from the United States. Jordanian authorities deny the reports, saying no potential threat was identified. The analyst behind the report speculates the evacuation may be linked to Houthi missile activity and warns of possible spillover to Eilat.
A new report from a regional security channel, published Sunday evening, claims that Jordan is evacuating the port and airport of Aqaba due to a specific and credible threat from the United States. Jordanian authorities quickly denied the report, stating that no potential threat had been identified. The analyst behind the report speculates that the evacuation may be a response to Houthi missile activity toward Aqaba, and warns that any spillover could affect the Israeli city of Eilat.
The report is the latest twist in a rapidly evolving story that began earlier Sunday. Starting at 13:29 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported a series of conflicting statements: the US Embassy in Amman said Jordanian authorities had evacuated Aqaba's airport and seaport over a credible threat; Jordan denied the threat; a senior US official confirmed the US had evacuated its own assets in the region and recommended Jordan do the same; and Jordan declined to evacuate Aqaba, citing economic concerns.
Later, at 15:25 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported explosions in Aqaba following Iranian missile launches, and the US evacuated the port and airport. Another launch toward Jordan was reported at 15:54 Jerusalem. At 16:08 Jerusalem, The Zioneer analysis assessed that the Iranian missile strike on Aqaba was intended as a warning to Jordan over hosting US forces. Broader context includes earlier Houthi announcements of a renewed naval blockade (as The Zioneer reported on June 8) and an IRGC claim of a ballistic missile strike on a US command center in Jordan (as The Zioneer reported on July 9).
The new report is unverified and based on a single source. Jordan's denial and the lack of independent confirmation mean the situation remains uncertain. The conflicting reports—from the US Embassy, Jordanian authorities, and now a regional security channel—underscore the fluid and opaque nature of the security situation in the Red Sea region.
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