On May 20, 2014, several official U.S. Government personnel driving west from the Jordan-Iraq border area were chased by unknown assailants believed to be part of a criminal gang. The American personnel escaped safely. Based on this incident, the U.S. Embassy has, in coordination with Jordanian law enforcement authorities, added security precautions for official travel to the eastern border area. The U.S. Embassy therefore advises U.S. citizens to avoid the Highway 10 east of the town of Mahattat al Hafif in Mafraq Governorate until further notice. This desert area is desolate and even routine vehicle breakdowns can be dangerous.
https://www.osac.gov/Pages/ContentReportDetails.aspx?cid=15725&__Referrer=afternoon_digest_23_05_2014