Security Expert: Smuggling Weapons via Thermal Balloons Is a Dangerous Development in Smuggling Methods
Al-Taj News – Security expert Bashir Al-Da’ajah said that the use of thermal balloons to smuggle weapons into Jordan represents a dangerous security development, pointing out that smugglers have come to rely on technological and technical development in weapons and drug smuggling operations, instead of traditional methods that rely on the human element.
Al-Da’ajah explained on Saturday that transporting automatic weapons via thermal balloons indicates the existence of a planning process to determine the trajectory of the balloons and the direction and speed of the wind, culminating in delivering the shipment to the party that will receive it.
He pointed out that these balloons are difficult for modern radar systems to detect, especially if launched at low altitudes, noting that this does not mean there is a defect in surveillance systems and radars, as the nature of these balloons makes detecting them a difficult matter even for advanced systems around the world.
He added that thermal balloons can have their trajectory determined using global positioning systems (GPS), alongside determining wind speed and direction and controlling them to deliver the shipment to the individuals who will receive it.
He emphasized to Al-Mamlaka the importance of continuing intelligence work following the seizure of the shipment to reach the parties and persons behind the smuggling operation, pointing out that initial investigations are still underway, and expressing his confidence in the security services and in partnership with citizens.
The security services had seized on Saturday a bag that was smuggled using thermal balloons, finding inside it 9 automatic weapons and positioning devices, following a report received by the Karak Governorate Police Directorate regarding the presence of a suspicious bag in the Muhiy area of the governorate.
The media spokesperson for the Public Security Directorate said that security forces moved to the site immediately upon receiving the report and cordoned off the area, while experts began inspecting the bag, pointing out that preliminary investigations showed the bag arrived due to the wind from the southern borders of the Kingdom, and that investigations are still ongoing.
