Jordanian jets hit Daraa province, killing five in Syria

Five people died in a Syrian village in the southern Daraa province after Jordanian fighter jets launched a retaliatory strike on Monday. Syrian health officials told state media that the dead included women, children, and an elderly man. Jordanian military officials stated their jets targeted "terrorist organisations" but did not provide a specific casualty count for the Syrian side.

The air raid was a direct response to a shooting at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak on Friday. That attack occurred during a Christian funeral and left nine people dead and 34 others injured. Jordanian authorities coordinated the Monday strike with the Syrian government, although Damascus later claimed it had not received prior notification of the operation.

Earlier on Monday, senior security officials announced the arrest of three suspects linked to the church attack. The Public Security Directorate identified the group as two brothers and their brother-in-law. Officials said the men were hiding in an abandoned house in Karak when they were found before dawn. Interior Minister Mazen al-Faraya told state-affiliated television that all three attackers were Jordanians and had been holed up in a building near the attack site.

Syria responded to the Jordanian strike by closing the Nassib border crossing. Syrian authorities described the move as a complete suspension of passenger and commercial traffic in both directions to protect workers and travelers. Nassib is the only passenger and commercial crossing between the two countries. Syrian officials stated they have opened direct communication channels with Jordan and launched a comprehensive investigation to establish the full circumstances of the targeting.

The Jordanian military said its jets killed and wounded several terrorists in the strike. Syria’s position contrasts with Jordan’s claim of coordination, as the Syrian government said it was not notified of the attack before it happened. The border closure remains in effect as both nations conduct their respective investigations.