Brief
Syria reopens Jordan border as both sides probe deadly air strikes
The Nassib crossing will resume traffic on Wednesday as Jordan and Syria agree to investigate the strikes that followed a church shooting in Karak.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Syria announced the reopening of the Nassib border crossing with Jordan on Wednesday morning, restoring regular passenger and commercial traffic, according to state news agency SANA.
What happened
Jordanian air strikes on Monday targeted ISIL hideouts in Deraa and Suwayda provinces in southern Syria, killing at least seven people, including five members of one family, three of whom were children. The strikes were a response to a Greek Orthodox church shooting in Karak, Jordan, on the previous Friday, for which ISIL claimed responsibility.
What the reports add
Al Jazeera reported that the two countries will form a security committee to share intelligence and examine the impact of the strikes. The committee will also develop coordination mechanisms to protect civilians from future operations.
What was said
Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi told Al Jazeera the attacks were based on field intelligence and aimed at “neutralising confirmed threats and imminent terrorist operations targeting Jordan’s security.” He expressed “deep regret” over civilian deaths during a call with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al‑Shaibani.
How it came about
The air strikes followed a funeral attack at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak that killed nine people and wounded 34, prompting Jordan to retaliate against suspected ISIL sites in Syria.
Key facts
- Syria reopened the Nassib border crossing with Jordan on Wednesday. (aljazeera.com)
- Jordanian air strikes on Monday killed at least seven civilians in Deraa and Suwayda. (aljazeera.com)
- Both countries will form a security committee to investigate the strikes and share intelligence. (aljazeera.com)
- Jordan's strikes were retaliation for a Greek Orthodox church shooting in Karak that killed nine. (aljazeera.com)
- Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi expressed regret over civilian deaths. (aljazeera.com)
Sources
- [1] aljazeera.com — originally reported as “Syria-Jordan border reopens amid probe into deadly air strikes”
