Confrontations between two tribes near Amman

Confrontations took place between two Jordanian tribes near the capital Amman during which fire was exchanged over electoral differences, according to the Jordanian authorities yesterday. This was at a time when the US Secretary Of State Colin Powell arrived in Amman and moved to the Red Sea.

A Jordanian official said that violent confrontations took place yesterday evening in Na'our between al-Ajaremah and al-Sawalebah tribes. A matter which necessitated the interference of the security forces. Shops and cars were burnt and heavy losses were inflicted in public buildings and three police members were admitted to hospitals.

A Jordanian official said that calm was restored to al-Na'our and the main roads leading to the Red Sea which pass through this city were reopened for traffic. This was after journalists were not able to arrive to this area "because of fire bullets exchange between the people and the police."