Jordan announced that its air force struck militant hideouts in southern Syria late Monday, targeting suspects believed to be involved in a deadly attack on a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church the previous week. Jordan’s armed forces stated the operation was conducted in coordination with Damascus, although Syria disputed this account and reported casualties among civilians.
The targeted strikes came after a terror attack at Hammoud Church in Karak province killed nine people and injured 40. Jordanian security forces arrested three men connected to the attack following a confrontation in an abandoned house, with no reported casualties among the security personnel. Jordan’s Interior Minister confirmed that the suspects resisted arrest and sustained severe injuries during the operation.
The king of Jordan called for a firm response to those threatening national unity, vowing that terrorists would face punishment. Family members of victims expressed some relief following the arrests.
Disagreement Between Jordan and Syria Over the Airstrikes
Jordan maintained that the airstrikes targeted terrorist groups hiding in southeastern Syria linked to last week’s church attack. In contrast, Syrian officials said they launched an investigation into the strikes and reported that at least five civilians, including women and children, were killed as a result. The conflicting claims highlight ongoing tensions between the two neighboring countries amid regional instability.
Details of the Arrest Operation in Karak Province
Earlier on Monday, Jordanian security forces located and engaged three suspects in Karak governorate, about 75 miles southwest of Amman. Following a dawn shootout at an abandoned house, the men were wounded and taken into custody. Jordan’s Interior Minister said the three individuals were identified quickly after the attack, and authorities used all resources available to apprehend them.
Context of the Attack and Security Concerns
There has been no public claim of responsibility for the deadly church attack, and Jordanian authorities have not disclosed the suspects’ affiliations. Attacks on Christian minorities in Jordan, a country considered relatively stable and an ally of the United States, are extremely rare. The incident and subsequent security response have drawn significant national attention as authorities seek to prevent further violence.
