Airstrikes by Jordanian forces in southern Syria killed at least two civilians, according to Syrian officials, prompting the closure of the main border crossing with Jordan. The strikes, which targeted suspected Islamic State (IS) militant positions, occurred on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Syria accused Jordan of causing civilian casualties, while Jordan acknowledged unintended deaths but emphasized its military action was aimed at eliminating IS extremists.
Jordan’s air force struck what it described as militant hideouts in southern Syria in retaliation for a deadly church attack in Jordan that killed nine people. Damascus reported civilian deaths and ordered the closure of the Nassib border crossing, a key route for trade and movement. A Syrian government spokesperson said the strikes had “avoided” civilian sites and expressed regret over “unintended casualties.”
The incident follows a probe into the Jordanian strikes, with foreign ministers forming a security committee to share intelligence and assess the impact. Syria’s government stated it had launched an investigation into the attacks, stressing the importance of maintaining stability. Jordan confirmed it killed more than 20 IS militants in the strikes, calling the operation a coordinated effort with Damascus.
The strikes highlight ongoing tensions between Syria and Jordan, with both sides accusing each other of escalating violence. The closure of the Nassib crossing has disrupted cross-border trade and movement, adding to the humanitarian challenges in the region. The situation remains under close scrutiny as both nations seek to balance security concerns with regional stability.
