Jordan's police chief replaced after deadly IS attack

Jordan's security establishment has been criticised for its handling of the December shootings in the central Karak province.

MENA

1 min read

The New Arab & agencies

11 January, 2017

Jordanian security forces stand guard near the Crusader castle in Karak [Getty]

King Abdullah II has replaced the head of public security in the wake of deadly shootings that rattled the kingdom and exposed its vulnerability to attacks by militants.

Jordan's security establishment has been criticised for its handling of the December shootings in the central Karak province that killed 11 officers and three civilians, including a Canadian tourist.

The extremist group Islamic State claimed responsibility for one of the attacks.

Jordanian media reported on Wednesday that a retired military officer, Ahmad Fatih, is replacing Atef al-Saudi as head of the Public Security Directorate.

They said the king urged the new police chief in a letter to improve the skills of those under his command so they can carry their duties effectively.