Eleven newly renovated border towers along the Syrian frontier were inaugurated on Wednesday, according to a statement from the Canadian embassy.

Canada’s Ambassador to Jordan Donica Pottie, Jordanian Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) Brigadier-General Ibraheem Al Na’emat and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Brigadier-General Michael Wright, Commander Joint Task Force IMPACT - Task Force Central (JTF-I/TF-C), along with Canadian officials attended the inauguration during the closing ceremony of International Organisation for Migration’s (IOM) Border Tower Refurbishment project.

The project responds to a priority request from senior leadership at the JAF, who views the towers as a means of ensuring Jordan’s security, the statement said. 

The refurbishment project signals Canada’s continued commitment to Jordan and its enduring stability in the region, read the statement.

The $9 million venture fortified and rehabilitated 11 towers strategically located along the previously renovated border road with Syria. 

The year-long construction also improved the conditions of the strategically located towers, which are situated in an isolated and desolate environment, according to the statement.

Enhancing the facilities at these towers directly impacts JAF’s operational effectiveness; well-rested staff can both rapidly deploy to secure the border and effectively engage with surrounding communities, the statement said.

This initiative is just one of a broader Canadian Middle East engagement strategy to address the crises caused by the Daesh terror group in the region by supporting humanitarian, development, stabilisation and security efforts. 

On March 30, 2021, the CAF announced the extension Operation IMPACT — Canada’s military contribution to the Global Coalition Against Daesh —  until March 31, 2022. 

The one-year renewal of Operation IMPACT will continue to build military capabilities in Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon in order to help set the conditions for security and stability.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Donica Pottie said: "This project is more than just one of construction; it is about partnership and vision. The fortification and rehabilitation of 11 border towers enhances Jordan’s safety, stability and security along the Syrian frontier. But it also provides an intangible value that can often be overlooked. In the midst of a desolate and sometimes dangerous environment, these towers provide comfort and shelter to the weary. Soldiers on the frontlines serving and protecting Jordan will have access to simple but essential amenities from home.”

CAF official, Brigadier-General Michael Wright, Commander JTF-I/TF-C said: "I am proud of what the Canadian Training Assistance Team – Jordan, in partnership with Global Affairs Canada, has accomplished with the border tower upgrades for the Jordanian Armed Forces. In addition to the enhancements in force protection and in living conditions for the soldiers, this project has further strengthened the relationship that the Canadian Armed Forces has built with their Jordanian counterparts, an excellent example of Canada’s ongoing commitment to the region.”

Brigadier-General Ibraheem Al Na’emat said: "Despite the geographical distance, Canada and Jordan have and share an interest in raising the level of political, social, economic and military relations to meet shared expectations, which are based on mutual interests and values as well as common threats and challenges.”

Chief of Mission of IOM Jordan Tajma Kurt said:"Improving the working and living conditions of the border guards at 11 border sites along the Jordanian-Syrian border line will contribute to better protection, stability and security of the borders and Jordan as whole. We are glad that this project has been successfully completed despite the COVID-19 pandemic and we are grateful for the extraordinary cooperation and partnership with the JAF and Canadian embassy in Jordan.”