Jordan Strikes Syria After Church Attack as Border Crossing Shuts

AMMAN — Jordan said its air force struck militant hideouts in southern Syria on Monday evening in retaliation for last week's deadly church attack in Karak, and on Tuesday Syria closed the Nassib border crossing, halting passenger and commercial traffic in both directions.

Jordan's government said the strikes killed more than 20 Islamic State militants, while Syrian authorities said civilians were among the dead, with hospitals in Daraa reporting eight victims, including three children, and four wounded. Amman said the operation was coordinated with Damascus; Syria said there was no prior coordination, condemned the strikes and opened an investigation, and Jordan's government minister said Amman regrets civilian casualties — leaving the two neighbours publicly at odds over the same operation.

Syria's foreign ministry said direct coordination was now under way with Jordan on a joint field and security committee to prevent further violations. The closure is the latest flashpoint in Middle East border security, and Nassib is the only passenger and commercial land crossing between the two countries, making its shutdown the most immediate consequence for travellers and trade.