Jordan Bombs Syrian Border Areas After Church Shooting

Jordanian air forces struck targets in southeastern Syria on Monday, killing at least seven people. The military stated the operation targeted hideouts for armed groups linked to a fatal shooting at a church in Karak governorate the previous week. Initial reports indicated the casualties included a woman and several children.

Syrian authorities disputed the rationale for the strikes. The Syrian defense ministry issued a statement on Telegram denying that it coordinated with Jordanian forces. According to the ministry, one Jordanian attack killed five members of a single family, comprising three children, a woman, and a man. Two separate strikes killed an 80-year-old man and a 60-year-old man.

The impacts of the conflict extended to trade and travel. The Syrian border authority announced the closure of the Nassib border crossing, suspending traffic in both directions. This crossing serves as Jordan’s only point of entry for passengers and commercial goods from Syria.

Jordanian security forces arrested three men in the village of Al-Jadeeda earlier on Monday. The suspects are two brothers and their brother-in-law. A government source told Al Jazeera that the men sustained serious injuries during a three-hour shootout. Authorities identified them as suspects in the October 23 attack on a Greek Orthodox church.

During the attack, three men opened fire during a funeral service. The incident occurred approximately 90 kilometers south of Amman. Nine people died and dozens were wounded in the shooting. Karak governorate hosts a minority Christian population, which accounts for roughly 300,000 of Jordan’s 11.5 million residents.

King Abdullah II pledged a stern response to the violence following the church incident. He ordered a review of national security procedures and stated that those responsible would face the harshest penalties. The Jordanian military said the Syrian strikes destroyed several vehicles belonging to the targeted groups.

Syria launched an investigation into the Jordanian attacks. The government emphasized the need for joint field and security coordination in border areas. The Jordanian military did not specify the exact locations of the strikes or name the specific groups attacked.