In brief
Jordan's defence ministry announced a strike on a southern Syrian village that it said hit terrorist organisations in retaliation for a gun attack on a Christian funeral that killed nine people. Syrian state media reports five civilians died in the raid, and Jordan claims it killed and wounded several combatants. The Syrian government closed its last border crossing with Jordan and launched investigations after saying it had not been notified. The attack follows Jordanian arrests of suspects linked to the funeral shooting.
Jordan has carried out an air strike on a village in southern Syria, stating that it targeted “terrorist organisations” in retaliation for an attack on a Greek Orthodox funeral in Karak that killed nine people and injured 34.
According to Syrian state media, the strike – which the Jordanian military described as a coordinated operation with Syria – killed five civilians, including women, children and an elderly man, and wounded others. Jordan said several combatants were killed and wounded in the attack, without naming specific groups.
Background
The clash began on Friday when gunmen opened fire on mourners inside a church during a funeral service. Nine people were shot dead and 34 were injured. Jordanian security forces arrested three suspects linked to the incident later that week.
Military response
Jordan’s defence ministry announced that fighter jets had bombed the Daraa division, claiming they struck “terrorist organisations” and that the operation was coordinated with the Syrian government. The strike took place on Monday morning, according to Jordanian officials.
Syria’s reaction
Syrian authorities said they were not notified of the attack and immediately closed the Nusib crossing – the only Jordan–Syria border crossing for passenger and commercial traffic – shutting all traffic to protect travelers. They also opened direct communication channels with Jordanian officials and vowed a “comprehensive investigation” into the incident.
Further developments
Jordan’s Interior Minister Mazen al‑Faraya has identified the attackers as Jordanians who were holed up near Karak before the assault. In the days ahead, the two countries may dialogue on security cooperation amid the ongoing regional tensions.
