Three Jordanian police officers were killed and five others injured in a raid aimed at the suspected killer of a police officer shot during protests last week, a police statement said on Monday.

Iran PressMiddle East: According to the statement by Jordan's Public Security Department, the suspect was killed, and eight others were arrested in the raid.

Tensions have been growing in cities, particularly in southern Jordan, after protests by truck owners erupted against higher fuel costs.

A police officer was killed in the southern governorate of Maan last week during clashes with demonstrators who demanded lower fuel prices.

Following the officer's death, King Abdullah II of Jordan reaffirmed that violence against the state, vandalism of public property and violations of Jordanians' rights would be dealt with firmly.

According to Xinhua, Jordan's fuel costs have almost doubled since last year, especially kerosene for heating and diesel used in buses and trucks.

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