Jordan Says Airstrikes in Southern Syria Killed Over 20 Daesh Militants Amid Dispute Over Civilian Casualties

Jordan Says Airstrikes in Southern Syria Killed Over 20 Daesh Militants Amid Dispute Over Civilian Casualties
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Jordan said it killed more than 20 Daesh militants in airstrikes on southern Syria on Monday evening, describing the operation as a response to a deadly church attack in Jordan that authorities linked to militants operating across the border.

Syria reported that the strikes killed seven people, including three children and a woman. Jordan’s Government Communication Minister, Mohammed Al-Momani, expressed regret over the civilian casualties in a statement posted on X.

Jordan said its air force targeted militant hideouts after determining that suspects linked to last week’s church attack were connected to “terrorist groups” based in southern Syria. The attack killed nine people. Jordanian security officials separately announced the arrest of two brothers and their brother-in-law following a shootout linked to the incident. No group has claimed responsibility, although Jordan identified the militants targeted in Syria as members of Daesh.

The strikes triggered anger in Syria, with conflicting accounts emerging over whether the operation had been coordinated in advance. Jordan’s military said the airstrikes were conducted in coordination with Damascus, while the Syrian government said they took place without prior coordination and announced an investigation.

Syria’s Foreign Ministry condemned the strikes as a violation of the country’s sovereignty. However, Damascus said it was coordinating with Amman and would establish a joint security committee to strengthen border security and prevent similar incidents.