Jordan’s military launched airstrikes against suspected militant positions in southern Syria on Monday, October 26, in retaliation for the deadly attack on a Greek Orthodox church that killed nine worshippers last week, triggering a diplomatic dispute with Damascus and the closure of a major border crossing between the two countries.
Syrian authorities reported that at least seven civilians, including three children and a woman, were killed in the strikes, while Jordan maintained that its aircraft had targeted armed groups connected to the church attack. The escalation came hours after Jordanian security forces arrested three suspects following an armed confrontation in the southern province of Karak.
In a significant development Tuesday, October 27, Jordan announced that its airstrikes had killed more than 20 Islamic State militants operating in southern Syria. Government Communication Minister Mohammed al-Momani also expressed regret over the reported civilian casualties, according to Reuters. The competing casualty accounts could not be independently reconciled.
Airstrikes kill civilians as Syria closes border crossing
Jordan’s armed forces said Monday evening that the operation destroyed militant positions and vehicles belonging to organizations allegedly connected to Friday’s attack on St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church in Hamoud, where gunmen opened fire during a funeral.
However, Syrian officials provided a different account, reporting strikes on residential areas in Daraa and Suwayda provinces. According to Syrian Civil Defense, five members of one family, including three children, were killed when an airstrike hit a tent in Daraa. Two additional deaths were reported in separate locations, including an elderly man.
A diplomatic disagreement emerged over whether the operation had been coordinated in advance. Jordanian authorities maintained that Damascus had been informed, but Syria’s government denied any prior coordination and protested the violation of its sovereignty.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry announced Tuesday that discussions with Jordan were continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the strikes and address their consequences. Syria also proposed establishing an urgent joint security committee to prevent further incidents.
Following the airstrikes, Syrian authorities closed the Nassib border crossing, known as Jaber on the Jordanian side, suspending passenger and commercial traffic in both directions.
The crossing is a major transportation and trade route connecting Syria with Jordan and other regional markets. Authorities have not announced when it will reopen.
Three suspects arrested as Jordan investigates extremist connections
The military escalation followed Friday’s attack on the Greek Orthodox church in Hamoud, in Karak province, approximately 90 kilometers south of Amman. Nine people were killed and at least 25 wounded when gunmen attacked mourners attending a funeral, prompting three days of national mourning and widespread condemnation.
On Monday morning, Jordanian security forces arrested three suspects — two brothers and their brother-in-law — after locating them in an abandoned house in Karak. All three were wounded during an exchange of gunfire and were hospitalized under guard. Police recovered weapons and substantial quantities of ammunition.
Jordan’s Public Security Directorate described the suspects as followers of extremist takfiri ideology, although officials initially said there was no evidence of links to foreign organizations. That assessment contrasted with the subsequent military announcement connecting the attack to armed groups operating in Syria. No organization has publicly claimed responsibility for the church shooting.
King Abdullah II, who visited wounded victims following the attack, promised severe punishment for those responsible and ordered a review of national security procedures. Jordanian authorities have emphasized their determination to protect the country’s Christian minority, which represents approximately 3% of the population.
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