[2] But in 2000, King Abdullah II made a big step to modernize and restructure Jordanian Armed Forces when the Divisions have been transformed into a lighter, more mobile forces, based largely on a brigade structure and considered better capable of rapid reaction in emergencies.

A number of major roads link Jordan and Syria in this region, crossing undulating terrain with no natural obstacles.

The important air base at Mafraq are less than 20 km from the border with Syria and are therefore vulnerable to surprise attack or artillery bombardment.

The Sector from Ramtha to the Iraqi border was covered by the Eastern Command (5th Armoured Division).

The Head of Eastern command is Brigadier General Mohammed Suleiman Bani Yasin.