Syria summoned Jordan’s ambassador on Wednesday over airstrikes that killed seven civilians, including three children, in the southern province of Daraa, the Syrian Arab News Agency reported. The attacks occurred earlier this week, and the Syrian Foreign Ministry stated that the strikes targeted “civilian sites.” Jordan claimed the attacks were in response to an Islamic State attack on a church in Karak that killed nine people.
Jordan’s military said it had “avoided” civilian sites during the strikes and expressed regret over “unintended casualties.” A government spokesperson emphasized that Jordan “regretted” the civilian deaths and stressed “deep respect” for the Syrian state and people. The strikes were part of Jordan’s broader campaign against Islamic State militants in Syria, following the church attack.
The incident marks the latest escalation in the ongoing conflict between Jordan and Syria, which has seen repeated clashes over territory and militant activity. Jordan has previously acknowledged civilian casualties in its airstrikes, though it maintains the attacks were aimed at Islamic State targets. Syrian officials have consistently accused foreign forces of targeting civilian areas, citing a pattern of attacks that have caused significant loss of life.
This event highlights the complex and volatile nature of the region, where cross-border military actions continue to blur the lines between combatants and civilians. The situation remains under intense scrutiny, with both sides maintaining conflicting narratives about the intent and impact of the strikes.
