There are already unconfirmed reports that Jordan has carried out airstrikes against ISIS in Mosul. Beyond airstrikes, Jordan could further contribute to the fight against ISIS through the use of their extremely effective Special Forces units.
Jordan's Special Forces, grouped under Jordan's own Joint Special Operations Command, is 14,000 strong and is one of the most effective fighting and intelligence forces in the region. Jordanian Special Forces frequently train alongside US forces.
Meanwhile, Jordan itself is a global center for Special Forces training operations. Jordan's King Abdullah Special Operations Training Center (KASOTC) is the centerpiece of the country's Special Operations capabilities and is routinely used by other countries around the world.
The facility, which can be used for anything from simulated airline hijackings to close-quarter fighting and K9 integration exercises, also plays host to the annual Special Operations Forces Exhibition and Conference.
This focus reflects King Abdullah's own past assignment within the nation's Special Forces and his certification as a Cobra pilot. In 1996, alongside US help, Abdullah began the reorganization of the country's Special Forces into a more modern force.
Formed in 1963, the Jordanian Special Forces have been trained to conduct reconnaissance, combat, and counter-terrorism operations.
Jordanian
special forces police officers guard the state security court in Amman,
Jordan February 15, 2006. Jordan handed down its fourth death sentence
in absentia against al Qaeda's leader in Iraq Abu Musab al-Zarqawi on
Wednesday, after finding him and eight others guilty of plotting
chemical attacks in the kingdomOne of the Jordanian Special Forces' chief duties is guarding Jordan's national borders. This mission took on increased importance following mounting instability in Iraq after 2006.
The potential for violent spillover from Iraq and Syria has caused the Special Forces to put increased emphasis on counter-terrorism operations. Here, service members conduct a mock anti-hijacking operation.
Jordan's
special forces simulate an operation during a plane hijack, in a
demonstration of skills at the official inauguration of the U.S.-funded
King Abdullah Special Operations Training Centre in Amman May 19, 2009.
The centre aims to be a regional base for urban warfare training. Jordanian forces have also trained alongside the US for anti-hijacking missions.
Jordanian
and U.S. special forces storm an aircraft in a hijack simulation
practice during their "Eager Lion" military exercise in Amman May 27,
2012. The exercise conducted by the U.S. and Jordan includes more than
19 countries from five different continents and more than 12,000
participants, according to the United States Central Command. Most of Jordan is a dry desert, but the Special Forces train in all manner of environments. Here, Special Forces train to carry out a water-borne assault.
U.S.
soldiers watch the special operations forces from Kuwait, Jordan,
France and the U.S. taking part in a boarding drill during the Eager
Lion military exercise in the coastal city of Aqaba June 5, 2014. Around
12,500 participants from 20 countries will take part in Eager Lion.Jordan's Special Forces have also benefitted from actual combat experience, including multiple deployments to Afghanistan.
Special
operations forces from Kuwait, Jordan, France and the U.S. take part in
a boarding drill during the Eager Lion military exercise in the coastal
city of Aqaba June 5, 2014. Around 12,500 participants from 20
countries will take part in Eager Lion. Aside from military capabilities, Jordanian Special Forces have proven to be adept at intelligence gathering. Internal stability and terrorism have turned into major concerns for the Jordanian monarchy.
Members
of Jordanian special forces take part in a parade at the opening of the
Special Operation Forces Exhibition (SOFEX) at King Abdullah Airbase
Marka in Amman May 11, 2010.