Jordanian Military Strikes Militant Hideouts in Syria Following Deadly Church Attack

Jordan announced that its air force conducted strikes against military hideouts in southern Syria following a deadly church attack. Officials stated the action targeted suspects linked to the incident, while separate arrests were made domestically.

Airstrikes in Southern Syria and Diverging Accounts

Jordanian armed forces reported that airstrikes in southeastern Syria were conducted in coordination with Damascus. However, Syria offered a different account, stating it had launched an investigation into the strikes.

• Reported Casualties: A Syrian health official told the state news agency that at least five civilians, including women and children, were killed in the strikes, according to Reuters.
• Official Stance: Jordan asserted the targets were linked to terrorist groups connected to last week's violence.

Domestic Security Operations in Karak

Earlier on Monday morning, Jordanian security forces arrested three men in Karak province in connection with the attack at the Hammoud Church, which killed nine people and injured 40 others.

• Arrest Details: Officials stated the arrests followed a dawn shootout at an abandoned house in the Karak governorate, approximately 120 kilometers southwest of Amman.
• Suspect Status: All three suspects sustained severe injuries during the operation, while security forces reported no casualties among their personnel.
• Ministerial Statement: Interior Minister Mazen Al-Faraya stated in a broadcast interview that security services successfully captured the individuals involved after they put up fierce resistance.

Response and Investigation Status

King Abdullah II previously called for a firm response following the tragedy. Public Security Directorate investigations are ongoing, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack on the Greek Orthodox church, with authorities yet to publicly identify specific militant affiliations.

• Verification: Official announcements can be verified through Jordan's state broadcaster Al-Mamlaka and official statements from the Jordanian armed forces.