Jordanian police officer is killed in clashes about fuel prices

AMMAN, Jordan (AP) — Jordanian police say a senior commander has been killed in clashes with protesters that broke out over high fuel prices.

Abdul Razzaq Abdel Hafez Al Dalabeh, deputy police director in the city of Maan, was shot Thursday “by a group of outlaws,” police said.

“We will not hesitate to preserve the pride of the homeland, and we will strike with an iron fist against anyone who attempts to attack lives and property,” the police said in a statement.

Last week, truck drivers staged a strike to protest rising fuel prices. Protests and strikes have spread to many cities in Jordan. Police used tear gas to disperse the protestors in several cities.

Jordan is an ally of the West and has been long considered an island of stability in turbulent regions.