Jordan foiled IS plot to target government building in Irbid: reports

Jordanian security foiled an Islamic State group plot in March to target a city in the country's north, local media reported on Monday.

The suspects are accused of planning to target the General Intelligence Department building in Irbid, close to the Syrian border, Al-Rai newspaper said.

The planned operation took place in March and involved two men allegedly affiliated with IS, the report added.

Jordan's intelligence agency revealed the identity of the first suspect who is accused of attempting to form an IS cell in coordination with a second suspect. A third unnamed person was also involved in the case.

The suspects had previously been referred to the state security court in relation to cases "promoting the ideas of a terrorist organisation and attempting to join armed groups".

One of the accused started planning to form a cell while in prison and intended to target Jordanian security services, it is claimed.

The Irbid governorate has witnessed a number of failed IS attacks. In 2016 it saw armed clashes between security forces and militants.