Aqaba: The Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission (EMRC) conducted a high-level field exercise at King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba to simulate the attempted smuggling of a radioactive substance by a passenger.
According to Jordan News Agency, the drill is part of ongoing national efforts to enhance Jordan's nuclear security and emergency response capabilities to confront radiological and nuclear threats.
Chairman of the EMRC Board of Commissioners, Ziyad Saaydeh, stated that the exercise aimed to test the effectiveness of Jordan's national detection and response ecosystem, showcasing the high level of preparedness among EMRC personnel and partner agencies in handling cases of illicit trafficking of radioactive materials.
He emphasized that the drill's success is a direct result of close cooperation and integrated coordination between all concerned entities, contributing to Jordan's capacity-building efforts in nuclear security.
The exercise simulated a realistic radiological smuggling scenario, evaluating the response system's speed, coordination efficiency, and procedural accuracy. Saaydeh noted that modern challenges require advanced technology, continuous training, and cohesive coordination frameworks, all of which were demonstrated during the exercise.
The simulation was supervised by EMRC's Nuclear Security Directorate, in cooperation with the Jordan Customs Department, Aqaba Airports Company, Airport Security and Protection Directorate at King Hussein International Airport, and other specialized security agencies. The operation followed internationally recognized standards and Jordan's unified procedures for addressing nuclear and radiological smuggling at border crossings.