Jordan:Syria Militants Try to Sneak In

ON THE SYRIA BORDER, Jordan (AP) -- The commander of Jordan's Border Guard says militants have been trying to sneak into Jordan from Syria by blending in with Syrian refugees, and that attempts to smuggle weapons and drugs have increased.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Brig. Gen. Saber al-Mahayreh said Sunday that surveillance along Jordan's borders is tight and that his forces can "spot a rabbit" trying to cross. The surveillance system consists of radar and surveillance towers that help detect suspected infiltrators miles away.

The general says all infiltration attempts have been blocked so far. He says Jordan's security takes priority over humanitarian concerns when receiving refugees.

Western ally Jordan has found itself on the front lines of the battle with Islamic State extremists who have seized one-third of neighboring Iraq and Syria.

(KA)