Jordanian Strike Kills Five in Syria After Karak Church Attack

Syrian health officials reported that five people were killed in a Jordanian airstrike on a village in the southern Daraa province on Monday. The casualties included women, children, and an elderly man, according to state media.

The Jordanian military stated that its fighter jets targeted organizations it identified as terrorists in retaliation for a shooting at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak. That attack occurred on Friday during a funeral and left nine people dead and 34 others injured.

Jordan said the strike resulted in the deaths and injuries of several terrorists, though the military did not provide specific counts. The Jordanian government claimed it had coordinated the operation with the Syrian government. In contrast, Syrian officials stated they had not received prior notification of the Monday attack.

In response to the strike, Syrian authorities closed the Nassib border crossing with Jordan. This is the only passenger and commercial crossing between the two countries. A statement from Syrian officials said the decision suspended all passenger and commercial traffic in both directions to ensure the safety of travelers and workers.

Syrian officials also said they opened direct communication channels with Jordanian counterparts and began comprehensive investigations to establish the full circumstances of the targeting. Earlier on Monday, senior Jordanian security officials announced the arrest of two brothers and their brother-in-law in connection with the Karak church shooting.

The Public Security Directorate reported that the three men were found hiding in an abandoned house in Karak before dawn. Interior Minister Mazen al-Faraya told state-affiliated television that the attackers were all Jordanians and had been holed up in a building in a village near the site of the Friday attack.