AMMAN – Controversial amendments to Jordan’s anti-terrorism law have been implemented to curb the influence of homegrown al-Qaeda affiliated jihadists fighting the regime of the kingdom’s northern neighbour Syria, analysts said.

New articles added to the law approved by parliament on Tuesday, April 22, deem “joining or attempting to join armed or terrorist groups, or recruiting or attempting to recruit people to join these groups” acts of terrorism.

They also outlaw “acts that would expose Jordan or Jordanians to the danger of acts of aggression, or harm the kingdom’s relations with another country.”

Hundreds of Jordanian jihadists have joined hardline Islamist rebels in Syria fighting President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

Three years into the conflict, many of these battle-hardened Jordanians are returning home, causing deep concern in Amman.

Jordan passed its first anti-terrorism law in 2006, the year after three bombings targeting hotels in the capital killed 60 people. But the kingdom still faces challenges as the bloodshed in Syria shows little sign of abating.

Amman has repeatedly expressed fears the conflict could spread across its borders, and has on several occasions aired its concerns over the regional impact of jihadists fighting Assad.

Damascus has accused Jordan’s government of backing the uprising by training and arming rebels, a charge denied by Amman, which says it has tightened border controls and jailed dozens trying to slip into Syria illegally.