Maan is isolated, Abu Sayyaf's son protected by tribes
Jordan, Politics, 11/26/2002

A cautious calm prevailed yesterday on Maan and its citizens stayed indoor after the Jordanian security authorities renewed curfew.

Varied stories were disclosed on reasons behind the eruption of clashes following al-Iftar on Sunday.

Talking to the media, several citizens from Maan once again held the security forces responsible for the new wave of violence after they had interfered to retaliate against children's fireworks -- a common practice by children during the month of Ramadan. One citizen said that "a group of children were playing with fireworks near the headquarters of the municipality where 7 police men and one armored vehicle were positioned. The police men asked the children to stop, but in vain. When one police man beat a child, the people gathered against him and a row took place during which the police started fire.

Salwa, the wife of the fleeing Islamists, Muhammad Shalabi and known as Abu Sayyaf, gave another version of the story. She said that the clashes resulted in row by hand fighting between certain citizens and the security forces which tried to arrest Abu Sayyaf's son who is 12 year old.

Salwa added that the police tried to arrest her son Sayyaf "when he went out to the market." She continued that the people in the street cordoned the security forces and clashes took place, but the police succeeded in releasing him. She added that her son is safe under the protection of tribal chiefs.

However, the Jordanian official version of the story is different, the Jordanian news agency blamed the clashes on several persons who started launching fire at the patrols of the security men. It added that the "security men tried to contain the situation and disperse the attackers," adding that "Fire was exchanged in which one citizen was killed and other three wounded, including one member of the general security."

Meantime, the Saudi minister of the interior Prince Nayef Bin Sultan said yesterday that no Saudis are involved in the violence acts taking place in Maan. Replying to a question Prince Nayef said "Nothing was proved to that effect. Our brothers in Jordan also denied such a Saudi involvement."

Previous Stories:
  One person killed, seven wounded, a curfew in Maan   (11/25/2002)
  Washington intends to withdraw some of its diplomats in Jordan   (11/23/2002)
  Maan citizens accuse Jordanian government of launching a revenge war   (11/23/2002)
  Riyadh does not rule out Saudis participation in Maan riots   (11/22/2002)
  Okaz: Jordanian king visits Saudi Arabia   (11/13/2002)
  On Jordanian oil imports   (8/19/2002)

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