Jordan and Syria agreed on October 28, 2026, to form a joint security committee following deadly Jordanian airstrikes in southern Syria. Jordan reported killing over 20 Islamic State militants in response to an October 23 attack on a Karak church that left nine dead. However, Syrian authorities condemned the strikes as uncoordinated sovereignty violations after seven civilians were killed in Daraa. Both nations aim to resolve tensions and bolster intelligence sharing.
Joint security committee and future relations
- ▪Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi affirmed to Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani that Jordan considers Syria's security integral to its own national security
- ▪Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi agreed on October 28, 2026, to establish a joint security committee
- ▪Syria and Jordan committed to using dialogue to address disagreements and prevent military operations from undermining bilateral trade and security relations
- ▪The joint security committee between Jordan and Syria is tasked with investigating the October 26, 2026 Jordanian airstrikes in Daraa and Sweida and establishing field and intelligence coordination mechanisms
Jordanian airstrikes and casualties
- ▪Jordanian government spokesperson Mohammad Al-Momani stated on October 27, 2026, that airstrikes in Syria killed more than 20 Islamic State militants and destroyed a weapons depot
- ▪Jordanian forces conducted airstrikes targeting Islamic State positions
- ▪Syrian Civil Defense reported seven civilians were killed in the October 26, 2026 Jordanian airstrikes in Daraa and Sweida provinces, including three children and a woman
Syrian response and border closure
- ▪Syrian authorities temporarily closed the Nassib border crossing with Jordan following the October 26, 2026 airstrikes in Daraa and Sweida provinces before reopening it on October 28, 2026
- ▪Damascus condemned the October 26, 2026 Jordanian airstrikes in Daraa and Sweida provinces as a violation of Syrian sovereignty
Hamoud church shooting and suspects
- ▪Jordanian security forces arrested three wounded suspects in Karak on October 26, 2026, linking the attack on St. George's Greek Orthodox Church to militants operating in southern Syria
- ▪Gunmen opened fire on mourners at St. George's Greek Orthodox Church in Hamoud, Jordan, on October 23, 2026, killing nine people and injuring at least 40
Story comments
Loading comments…