Jordanian air force jets launched four airstrikes against armed groups and terrorist hideouts in southern Syria in response to a fatal assault on a Greek Orthodox Church in Karak that resulted in nine deaths and dozens of injuries. The military action targeted militant factions whom state media and officials accused of orchestrating the deadly shooting that occurred last week.
Why did Jordan launch airstrikes in Syria?
Jordan launched airstrikes in Syria because authorities connected the targeted militant groups to the deadly church attack in Karak that killed nine individuals and injured dozens more during a service. Jordanian military forces executed the aerial operations across two provinces in southern Syria to retaliate against those deemed responsible for the violence.
How many casualties resulted from the church attack and subsequent airstrikes?
The church attack in Karak claimed the lives of nine people and left dozens wounded, according to reporting from The New York Times, though Al Jazeera noted that some initial reports cited eight fatalities. In the subsequent retaliatory airstrikes carried out by Jordan in southern Syria, at least seven people were killed according to Al Jazeera, while Syrian reports cited by other outlets claimed that eight civilians lost their lives in the bombing runs.
Jordanian air force says it carried out strikes against terrorist groups tied to the killing of nine in Karak, while Syria denies prior coordination and reports civilian casualties following the raids.
What arrests have been made regarding the church shooting?
Jordanian authorities arrested three suspects in connection with the deadly church attack during a dawn raid. According to state media and Al Jazeera, all three of the detained suspects are relatives.
What was the diplomatic response from Syria?
Syria denied any prior coordination with Jordan regarding the military operation, according to Al Jazeera. Furthermore, Syrian authorities claimed that the retaliatory Jordanian airstrikes resulted in civilian casualties across the targeted southern provinces.
