Jordan air strikes kill civilians in Syria after deadly church attack
Jordanian jets hit militant hideouts in southern Syria on Monday, causing at least seven civilian deaths, including three children and a woman, and reportedly eliminating around 20 Islamic State fighters and a weapons depot. The raids were a retaliation for a funeral attack on St George’s Church in Karak that killed nine people. Syria responded by closing the Nassib border crossing, launching an investigation, and condemning the strikes as a breach of sovereignty. Jordan arrested three male suspects – two brothers and their brother‑in‑law – linked to the church attack.
Key facts
- Emergency teams responded to four sites in Daraa and Sweida provinces.
- Syria's foreign ministry called the strikes a violation of its sovereignty.
- Jordan's government communication minister expressed regret over civilian casualties.
- Jordan's public security director said the country will remain impervious to challengers.
- Flags flew at half‑mast across Jordan after the church attack.
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Why it matters
The incident escalates regional tensions and highlights cross‑border security challenges.
What changed
First published from The National, DW, Al-Monitor, The Jerusalem Post and Anadolu Agency