Jordan conducts airstrikes in Syria following deadly church attack

Jordanian forces launched airstrikes in southern Syria following a shooting at the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George in Karak, Jordan. The attack, which occurred during a funeral last Friday, resulted in the deaths of nine people and left at least 34 others injured. Jordanian authorities subsequently arrested three suspects, identified as two brothers and their brother-in-law, following an armed confrontation.

Government spokesman Mohammed al-Momani stated that the retaliatory strikes targeted Islamic State strongholds and claimed that over 20 militants were killed. However, the Syrian government reported that seven civilians, including three children and a woman, died in the operation. While Jordan maintains that the strikes were coordinated, Damascus denied receiving prior notification and condemned the action as a violation of sovereignty. Both nations have since agreed to establish a joint security committee to address border concerns.

Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem visited survivors in local hospitals and issued a statement condemning the violence. He emphasized that the attack would not weaken national unity or the relationship between Christians and Muslims in Jordan.