Jordan intercepts drone carrying weapons from Syria

Border guards reported to have shot down the unmanned aerial vehicle inside Jordanian territory

Jordanian soldiers patrol near the border with Syria, in Mafraq governorate. AP

Jordan's army on Saturday thwarted an attempt to smuggle weapons and hand grenades into the country from Syria using a drone, state TV reported.

The kingdom's border guards spotted the explosives-laden drone crossing into the eastern region, a military source was quoted as saying.

It was downed inside Jordanian territory, the source said.

After a search, the border guards found the drone, an M4 carbine rifle and four hand grenades, the source said.

The drone had been booby-trapped and was handled by specialised team, they said.

Jordanian officials have reported a surge in attempts to smuggle drugs from Syria over the past year, including large quantities found hidden in lorries at the kingdom's main border crossing, en route to the Gulf region.

Syrian authorities have in recent months announced several major interceptions of drugs destined for Gulf markets and say they are doing their utmost to tackle widespread production in the country.