Suspect arrested for ‘attacking MPs’ with explosive in Maan

AMMAN –– Police on Sunday arrested a suspect who allegedly attempted “to assassinate” MPs including Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh who were in the southern city of Maan to mediate between authorities and the residents there after several months of tensions, MP Khalil Attiyeh said.

No injuries were reported.

The town of around 80,000, some 220km south of Amman, has seen acts of violence by outlaws and a police hunt for them, with some local community leaders accusing authorities of using excessive force in the process.

The number of outlaws is 19, according to officials and Attiyeh, who noted that seven wanted persons were handed over to authorities on Sunday.

Attiyeh said the delegation was on its way back to Amman, adding the attacker used a homemade explosive.