Jordan conducted air strikes in Syria in retaliation for a church attack that killed nine people, with Syrian officials reporting at least seven deaths, including three children and a woman. The strikes prompted Syria to close its main border crossing with Jordan.
Jordan's military said it targeted 'hideouts' of armed groups in southeastern Syria in response to the gun attack at a church in its Karak governorate. The strikes were launched 'in coordination with the Syrian government,' though Syria denied any coordination. At least four sites in rural Deraa and Suweyda provinces were hit, with seven people recovered from one site.
Syria's border authority closed the Nassib crossing, suspending traffic in both directions. The Syrian government said the military operation was conducted without prior coordination or notification and has launched an investigation. Jordanian security forces also arrested two brothers and their brother-in-law over the church attack.
Syria and Jordan have differing accounts of the events. Syria claims the strikes were uncoordinated, while Jordan says it acted in coordination with the Syrian government. The conflict highlights the complex relationship between the two countries and the ongoing security challenges in the region.