Numerous arrests for "security reasons".

Jordanian authorities carried out an operation arresting a former adviser to King Abdullah II and others, the state-run Petra news agency reported on Saturday (April 3rd).

A half-brother of the king and former crown prince, Hamza, has also been called upon to stop any activity that could undermine the security of the kingdom, the military said in a statement.

Bassem Awadallah, who was head of the Royal Court from 2007 to 2008, was arrested including Cherif Hassan ben Zaid, said a security source quoted by Petra, without specifying the total number of people arrested.

Cherif is a title given to relatives of the royal family in Jordan.

The two men were arrested for "security reasons" after a security operation, the source said, adding that an investigation was underway.

Hamza at the heart of a "threat to the stability of the country"

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The army at the same time denied that Hamza was arrested along with several other people for security reasons, arguing in the direction of another Jordanian official, quoted by state television Al Mamlaka.

Some media had suggested that King Abdullah II's half-brother was among those arrested.

"What has been published about the allegations regarding the arrest of His Highness Prince Hamza is not true, but he has been asked to cease activities which are exploited to target the security and stability of Jordan," Jordanian army chief Yousef Huneiti said.

People familiar with the situation told Reuters that the event could be linked to a plot to destabilize the kingdom.

Previously, the Washington Post reported that Jordanian authorities were detaining Prince Hamza and arrested nearly 20 others over a "threat to the stability of the country" according to officials.

King Abdullah II removed Prince Hamza from his heir to the throne in 2004 in order to consolidate his power.

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Controversial figure

Bassem Awadallah, former Minister of Finance and Planning, was very close to the Jordanian king but also a controversial figure in Jordan.

Before becoming head of the royal court in 2007, he was head of the king's cabinet in 2006.

Bassem Awadallah ultimately resigned as head of the Royal Court in 2008 after coming under heavy criticism for his alleged interference in controversial political and economic issues.

He had been accused by some deputies and other politicians as well as by journalists of interfering in the plans of privatization of the country.

Many capitals in support of King Abdullah II

Arrests of senior officials and members of the royal family are rare in Jordan.

The Saudi royal court on Saturday expressed support for King Abdullah II, as well as Egypt, Lebanon, Bahrain and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The US State Department also reacted by assuring that King Abdullah II was a "key partner" of the United States and that he "enjoyed full support".

"We are monitoring this information closely and are in contact with Jordanian officials," said Ned Price, a spokesperson for the State Department.

With AFP & Reuters

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