Jordan police clash with protesters over anti-smuggling efforts

Jordan police clash with protesters over anti-smuggling efforts
The clashes erupted last week between police and protesters in the northern city of Ramtha. (AP/File photo)
Updated 25 August 2019
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Jordan police clash with protesters over anti-smuggling efforts

Jordan police clash with protesters over anti-smuggling efforts
  • The clashes erupted last week between police and protesters in the northern city of Ramtha

AMMAN: Jordanian officials have reached a deal with local representatives to end two days of clashes over government efforts to curb cross-border cigarette smuggling from Syria.
The clashes erupted last week between police and protesters in the northern city of Ramtha. Many residents of the impoverished city have made a living selling cigarettes that were smuggled in Syria for a profit in Jordan, prompting the government to tighten customs regulations.
In recent days, protesters blocked streets with stones and tires and threw fire bombs at police, who fired tear gas to disperse them.
Such anti-government violence is rare in Jordan.
Petra news agency and other local media reported the agreement to end clashes on Sunday.