Syria Denounces Jordanian Airstrikes as Sovereignty Violation Following Deadly Church Attack
Syria condemns Jordanian airstrikes that killed civilians, marking a major diplomatic crisis following a deadly church attack in Jordan's Karak governorate.
POLICY WIRE — Damascus, Syria — The Syrian government officially condemned a series of deadly airstrikes conducted by Jordan on Monday, October 26, 2026, labeling the military action an unacceptable breach of its national sovereignty. The strikes, which targeted the Al-Lajat region in the northeastern countryside of Daraa, have ignited the most significant diplomatic crisis between the two nations since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
Jordanian officials stated the operation was a retaliatory measure against jihadist elements following a brutal gun attack at a Greek Orthodox church in the village of Hammoud, located in Jordan’s Karak governorate. That incident, which occurred last week, resulted in nine deaths and 25 injuries, prompting King Abdullah II to vow that those responsible for the violence would face severe consequences.
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the casualties of the Jordanian operation. While Damascus reported that seven people were killed—including three children and a woman in the village of Al-Taf—Jordanian government spokesman Mohammad al-Momani claimed the strikes successfully neutralized more than 20 Islamic State fighters and destroyed a major weapons depot. Mr. Momani expressed regret for civilian losses, asserting that Jordan attempted to avoid populated areas.
The diplomatic fallout was immediate, with Syria formally rejecting the strikes as a violation of good-neighborly principles and denying Jordanian claims that the mission was coordinated in advance. In response to the escalation, Syrian authorities shuttered the Nassib border crossing, halting all commercial and passenger traffic between the two countries.
Local accounts from the impact site in Al-Taf described a scene of devastation, with residents reporting the destruction of family homes. Meanwhile, Jordanian authorities confirmed they have arrested three suspects in connection with the church shooting, all of whom were wounded during a confrontation with security forces.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
