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Jordan has launched military air strikes in southern Syria targeting what it described as terrorist groups, in response to a deadly shooting at a Christian funeral last week. The retaliatory action triggered a diplomatic dispute and led Syrian authorities to shut down the primary border crossing between the two countries.
Contrasting Reports on Casualties and Coordination
Syrian health officials stated via state media that five people, including an elderly man, women, and children, were killed in a village located in Daraa province during the strike. Conversely, Jordanian military officials claimed their fighter jets targeted several terrorists, leaving multiple individuals dead and wounded.
Disagreements have also arisen regarding pre-strike communications. While Jordanian officials stated that the military operation was coordinated with the Syrian government, authorities in Syria denied receiving any prior notification regarding Monday’s strike.
Syria Responds by Closing Key Border Crossing
In response to the air attack, Syria announced the immediate closure of the Nassib border crossing, the sole operational passage for commercial goods and passengers between Syria and Jordan. Syrian authorities noted that the decision includes the complete suspension of passenger and commercial traffic in both directions to safeguard travellers and border personnel.
State media in Syria reported that official direct communication channels have been established with Jordan, alongside comprehensive investigations into the circumstances surrounding the strike.
Suspects Arrested Over Karak Church Shooting
The military response follows a Friday assault on a Greek Orthodox church funeral in Karak, Jordan, where gunmen killed nine people and injured 34 others. Early on Monday, Jordanian security forces apprehended three individuals linked to the shooting during a pre-dawn raid on an abandoned building in Karak.
According to Jordan’s Public Security Directorate, the arrested individuals include two brothers and their brother-in-law. Interior Minister Mazen al-Faraya confirmed on state-affiliated television that the suspects are Jordanian citizens who had been hiding in a village building near the site of the attack.
