In brief
Jordan unleashed a retaliatory air raid on a village in southern Daraa province after an attack on a Christian funeral in Jordan killed nine people. Syrian officials say five civilians died, while Jordan claims several terrorists were hit. Despite reports of joint coordination, Syria denied prior notification. The strike follows a fatal shooting on a Greek Orthodox church, prompting Syria to close its only passenger and commercial border crossing with Jordan. Jordanian security forces have arrested alleged perpetrators, all of whom are Jordanians.
Jordan launched airstrikes on a Syrian village after an attack on a Christian funeral killed nine people, calling the targets “terrorists” and coordinating with the Syrian government.
Syrian authorities reported that five people, including women, children and an elderly man, died in the Jordanian raid. Jordan’s defence ministry said several “terrorists” were killed or wounded, though it did not identify the victims.
The bombing followed a shooting at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak on Friday that killed nine and injured 34. Despite claims of coordination, the Syrian government said it was not notified of the strike.
In response, the Syrian Interior Ministry shut the only passenger and commercial border crossing with Jordan – the Nassib crossing – and opened direct communication channels with Jordanian officials.
Earlier in the week, Jordanian security forces arrested two brothers and their brother‑in‑law, alleged organisers of the church attack. Interior Minister Mazen al‑Faraya stated the perpetrators were all Jordanians hiding in abandoned houses near Karak.
The incident worsens regional tensions, raising concerns about cross‑border security and the potential for further hostilities.
