The United States Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) has spearheaded and funded a new initiative to train Iraqi border security forces in collaboration with the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF).

The program leverages the best US foreign partner training programs, while enhancing cross-border communication, strengthening regional ties and empowering Jordan to solidify its role as a cornerstone of regional security.

In December, DTRA officials attended a graduation ceremony for participants of the Iraq Border Security Forces (IBSF) at the Border Security Training Center (BSTC) in Alshwairi, Jordan.

The kingdom has been proactive in managing its border security and reducing transnational threats that affect all nations in the Middle East with assistance from programs like the DTRA's Jordan Border Security Program (JBSP).

In particular, the JAF have been dedicated to counterproliferation activities, emphasizing the importance of interdicting the trafficking and transit of weapons of mass destruction and illegal materials.

In 2016, amid enhanced collaboration with the United States, Jordanian media outlets noted an uptick in the number of explosives and drugs intercepted at the kingdom's borders, showing the increased efficiency of Jordanian security forces.

Jordan borders Syria to its north and Iraq to its east.

Security successes

In early April, Jordan's state-run news agency Petra announced that Jordanian border security forces foiled a plot to smuggle drugs into the kingdom via a drone. The forces tracked and shot down the drone, seizing a drug shipment.

A few weeks earlier, border forces intercepted an armed smuggling group attempting to cross from Syria into Jordan.

At Jordan's Alshwairi-based BSTC, the DTRA has focused on building JAF capabilities and successfully transitioned the JAF into a certified "train-the-trainer" (T3) model.

This empowers Jordanian personnel to conduct instruction independently, sustain operational readiness and expand regional training initiatives.

The broadened support from the United States equipped Jordan to welcome Iraqi border forces to the BSTC and conduct trainings dedicated to countering the shared threats Iraq and Jordan face at their borders.

Both nations experience significant threats from traffickers and other transnational criminal actors. Through shared concerns, they have fostered a strong partnership focused on building Iraq's capacity and enhancing security.

By honing a well-trained force both domestically and internationally through the BTSC, Jordan and the United States promote international cooperation on key security issues while fostering self-reliance.

Jordan is well-positioned to become a regional leader in border security operations.