Jordan army launches recruitment drive

Jordan's army launched a recruitment drive Tuesday to address "a general shortage," following last month's advances by jihadist militants in neighboring Iraq.

"The Jordan Armed Forces announces the need to recruit a number of males due to a general shortage. All those born after January 1, 1987 can apply," it said in an advertisement in newspapers and on the army's website.

A Jordanian government official said it was a "routine" procedure.

"It is a routine measure, nothing more and nothing less. Retirements take place and the army needs recruits. A similar campaign was announced by police a few weeks ago," he told AFP.

The Jordanian armed forces are estimated to number between 150,000 and 200,000, according to military experts.