Jordan and Syria Form Security Committee After Airstrikes
Jordan and Syria agreed to establish a joint security committee following Jordanian airstrikes in southern Syria that killed civilians and militants.
The Government of Jordan and the Government of Syria agreed on Tuesday to establish a joint security committee to investigate airstrikes conducted by the Jordanian air force on Monday. The operation targeted suspected Islamic State (ISIS) hideouts and a weapons depot in Syria's Daraa and Sweida provinces. Jordan stated the strikes killed over 20 militants and served as retaliation for an October 23 attack on a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, Jordan, which killed nine people.
Syria condemned the strikes as an unacceptable violation of national sovereignty and denied receiving prior notice, contradicting Jordanian claims of coordination. Syrian authorities reported that the strikes killed at least seven civilians, including three children and a woman. In immediate response to the incident, Syria closed the Nasib border crossing to all traffic.
Despite the diplomatic friction, Foreign Ministers Ayman Safadi and Asaad Al-Shaibani coordinated the formation of the joint committee to examine the circumstances of the operation and strengthen intelligence sharing. Jordan has expressed regret over the civilian casualties. The United Nations called for the protection of civilians and respect for Syria's territorial integrity following the escalation.
