Jordanian Airstrikes Kill Seven in Syria

Jordanian fighter jets killed at least seven people in southern Syria on Monday in a series of airstrikes aimed at armed group hideouts. The attacks hit targets in the Deraa and Suwayda provinces, according to reports from both sides of the border.

The Jordanian military stated that the operation targeted terrorist organizations linked to gunmen who attacked a church in Jordan last week. The ministry said the strikes destroyed several vehicles and killed or wounded many members of the groups. Jordan claimed the operation was launched in coordination with the Syrian government.

Syria’s defence ministry rejected that account in a statement posted on Telegram. It said one Jordanian attack hit five members of the same family, including three children, a woman, and a man. Two other strikes killed a 60-year-old man and an 80-year-old man. The Syrian government said it had opened an investigation into the attacks and emphasized the need for joint field and security coordination in border areas.

The strikes followed a fatal shooting at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak governorate on October 23. Three men opened fire during a funeral, leaving nine people dead and dozens wounded. The church is located about 90 kilometers south of Amman. Karak is home to a significant portion of Jordan's Christian minority, which numbers about 300,000 out of a total population of 11.5 million.

Jordanian security forces arrested three suspects earlier on Monday in the village of Al-Jadeeda. The men, who are brothers and a brother-in-law, are suspected of carrying out the church attack. A government source said the three sustained serious injuries during a shootout that lasted about three hours. King Abdullah II had pledged a stern response to the incident and ordered a review of national security procedures.

Following the airstrikes, Syrian border authorities closed the Nassib border crossing with Jordan. This is the only passenger and commercial crossing between the two countries. Traffic was suspended in both directions.

The Syrian government continues its investigation into the Jordanian strikes. Jordanian officials maintain that the operation was a necessary response to the church shooting.