Syria launches probe into Jordanian airstrikes that killed civilians
Syria has opened an investigation into Jordanian airstrikes that killed five civilians, stressing the need for security coordination along the border despite conflicting statements.
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AISyria has announced the launch of an investigation into Jordanian airstrikes that killed five civilians, including women and children, emphasizing the importance of field and security coordination in border areas.
The Syrian government noted that there was no prior coordination before the airstrikes carried out by the Jordanian Air Force, contradicting the Jordanian Armed Forces' claim that the operation was conducted in coordination with Damascus.
Jordan said on Monday that its Royal Air Force targeted what it described as militant hideouts in southern Syria after suspects in last week’s deadly church attack in Karak province were found to have links to "terrorist organizations" operating there.
The Jordanian Armed Forces stated that the operation was conducted in coordination with Damascus. Syrian authorities have yet to comment further.
Senior government security officials earlier said that security forces had arrested two brothers and their brother-in-law after an exchange of gunfire on Monday in connection with the church attack, which left nine people dead.
Public Security Director Major General Obaidallah Al-Maaytah said, "God willing, they represent only themselves."
Such attacks are extremely rare in Jordan, a US ally that enjoys relative stability in the Middle East. The attack on the Christian minority on Friday prompted King Abdullah to order security forces to "strike with an iron fist."
Al-Maaytah and Interior Minister Mazen Al-Faraya said at a press conference that Jordan will not tolerate extremist terrorism.
Al-Faraya added, "The case is not closed yet; investigations are ongoing. There are currently no indications of any links to other cells."
Friday’s attack, in which gunmen opened fire during a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in the village of Hamoud in Karak, about 120 kilometers southwest of Amman, left 34 others injured and raised concerns among Jordan’s Christian community. Witnesses said the shooting lasted several minutes.