Al-Baqura and Al-Ghamr … Sovereignty Safeguarded by the Army and Upheld by the Will of the Jordanians

General Command of the Jordan Armed Forces – Arab Army

Director of Military Media

Brig. Gen. Mohammad Ali Mhaidat

In Jordan’s understanding of statehood, the land is an inalienable right, and sovereignty over it is a solemn covenant renewed by each generation. The state was built on an unwavering commitment to independence, the determination to protect its borders, and leadership mindful of the land’s worth and its duty to history. This legacy is rooted in the sacrifices of the Jordan Arab Army, whose soldiers gave their lives defending the kingdom’s soil and dignity at defining moments in its history. Their courage and sacrifice remain central to the nation’s heritage and the foundation upon which Jordan has upheld its rights and protected its interests. From this legacy emerged a distinctly Jordanian approach, combining national resolve and defense capabilities with sound political judgement and effective diplomacy to restore rights and firmly establish sovereignty.

Al-Baqura, at the confluence of the Jordan and Yarmouk rivers, and Al-Ghamr, along the Wadi Araba valley, have remained central to the Hashemite leadership’s efforts to restore Jordan’s rights and reaffirm its sovereignty, given their geopolitical significance and historical depth. Addressing the National Assembly in his 2019 Speech from the Throne, His Majesty King Abdullah II reaffirmed Jordan’s full sovereignty following the termination of the arrangements set out in the two annexes to the Wadi Araba Treaty. This right had been established by the late King Hussein bin Talal, may he rest in peace, and brought to full realization by His Majesty King Abdullah II, who decided in 2018 to end the special arrangements governing the two areas, with the decision taking effect in 2019. This marked the culmination of a political, legal and diplomatic process pursued with clarity and resolve. The achievement demonstrated Jordan’s ability to use all the tools at its disposal to protect its national rights, balancing a clear position and skillful diplomacy with a firm commitment to its rights and respect for international obligations. This is how Jordan handles its defining national issues, remaining steadfast in its objectives, discerning in its choice of means, patient in choosing the right moment, and placing the national interest above passing pressures and short-term calculations.

The Jordan Armed Forces – Arab Army is inextricably linked to Jordan’s sovereignty and the protection of its borders. The sacrifices and vigilance of its personnel are a cornerstone of the state’s security and resilience. For decades, the defense of Jordan’s rights has been underpinned by a concerted national effort, bringing together political, diplomatic and military roles. The restoration of Al-Baqura and Al-Ghamr was a clear expression of this collective effort. The Arab Army remains a pillar of the state’s strength and the guardian of a land shaped by generations of Jordanian sacrifice and service. It continues to uphold its commitment to protecting the nation’s territory and safeguarding its resources, guided by vigilance, renewed through duty, and sustained by those who believe that serving Jordan is an honor with many fields of service but one shared purpose.

In Jordan, peace is understood as a practice and a guiding approach, particularly when founded on respect for rights, the preservation of sovereignty, and adherence to international law. The experience of Al-Baqura and Al-Ghamr demonstrated the Jordanian state’s ability to make the national interest a consistent guiding principle in managing its relations and decision-making. This approach is clearly reflected in Jordan’s steadfast position on just Arab causes, foremost among them the Palestinian cause, where the protection of territory and the defense of rights go hand in hand. Upholding Jordanian sovereignty is fundamental to defending the rights of the Palestinian people and protecting the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem under the Hashemite Custodianship. All these responsibilities form part of a firmly established approach to fulfilling this trust and safeguarding rights. It is a trust that the Hashemite leadership has upheld over the decades, guided by enduring principles and values that shape Jordan’s position whenever matters of land, identity and justice are at stake.

The land deserves to be developed as much as it deserves to be protected. True sovereignty is reflected in increased production, expanded employment opportunities and the development of national resources. This vision of development is clearly demonstrated by the agricultural projects undertaken by the Jordan Armed Forces in Al-Baqura and Al-Ghamr, including land reclamation, the development of water sources and the modernization of irrigation systems. Through these efforts, sovereignty moves beyond its purely legal meaning to deliver tangible development benefits. The restoration of land reaches its fullest potential when it becomes a productive resource that supports the economy and benefits local communities. The more efficiently resources are managed and the more scientifically the land is cultivated, the greater the opportunities for employment and production, strengthening Jordan’s capacity for self-reliance. This approach links border security with food security and sustainable development, turning the land protected by national resolve and restored through political action into a driver of growth and production.

In conclusion, Al-Baqura and Al-Ghamr remain an enduring lesson in the defense and restoration of national rights through steadfast resolve and the skillful use of the state’s instruments. One of the highest tributes to this achievement is to preserve its full story in the memory of generations to come: its defining moments, the sacrifices it demanded, and the contributions of all those entrusted with its responsibility. In this way, future generations’ confidence in their country will be rooted in knowledge, and their pride in it strengthened through a commitment to work and achievement. Preserving national memory goes beyond recalling historic occasions; it cultivates a strategic awareness of how rights are safeguarded and gains secured in a turbulent region, and how victories are transformed into long-term policies that protect the nation’s resources and maximize their value. The land reclaimed through resolve and safeguarded through sacrifice is a trust passed down from one generation to the next, while sovereignty over it remains an unceasing responsibility. Under its Hashemite leadership and through the determination of its people, under its Hashemite leadership and through the determination of its people, Jordan will forever remain sovereign over its land, independent in its decisions, and committed to safeguarding the future of generations to come.