Jordan and Syria Form Joint Security Committee After Disputed Airstrikes

Jordan struck suspected Islamic State hideouts in southern Syria on Monday in response to a shooting at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak on Friday that killed at least nine people and wounded 34 others. Jordanian security forces later arrested two brothers and their brother-in-law in connection with the attack, and ISIL claimed responsibility.

The strikes killed at least seven people in Deraa and Suwayda, including five members of the same family, three of whom were children. Syria's Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management said its teams responded to attacks at four sites. Jordan maintained the operation was coordinated with Damascus, a claim Syria denied.

In the aftermath, Jordan's only border crossing with Syria — Nassib — was briefly closed but is set to reopen Wednesday morning for regular passenger and commercial traffic, according to Syria's state news agency SANA.

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, speaking with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani by phone, expressed "deep regret" over civilian deaths and stressed Jordan's respect for Syria's sovereignty and stability. He said the strikes were based on field intelligence and aimed at "neutralising confirmed threats and imminent terrorist operations targeting Jordan's security."

Following the call, both foreign ministers announced the formation of a joint security committee to examine the consequences of the strikes and develop "field and intelligence coordination in dealing with terrorist threats" to protect innocent civilians.