Jordan Thwarts Armed Incursion from Syria Amidst Heightened Border Tensions

Jordanian border guards successfully repelled an attempt by approximately 14 armed individuals to cross from Syria into Jordan on Friday evening, as confirmed by the Jordanian military. The military statement indicated that the infiltration was thwarted by border guard personnel who engaged the group immediately and decisively, adhering to established rules of engagement, even as the gunmen attempted entry under heavy covering fire. Several members of the armed group sustained injuries, while the remainder retreated back into Syrian territory. The statement did not specify if the injured gunmen were taken into custody.

This incident follows closely on the heels of the reopening of the sole border crossing between Syria and Jordan for passenger and commercial traffic, just two days prior. The crossing had been temporarily closed following Jordanian airstrikes in southern Syria. Syrian authorities reported that these strikes resulted in the deaths of seven civilians, including three children, a woman, and an elderly man. The Jordanian Armed Forces stated that two ISIS members were killed in these strikes, which targeted militant hideouts linked to the Karak Church shooting. In that attack, gunmen opened fire on a funeral procession, causing nine fatalities and injuring at least 30 others.

The airstrikes, conducted on Monday in the southern Syrian provinces of Daraa and Sweida, precipitated a diplomatic dispute. In an effort to de-escalate tensions, both nations have agreed to form a joint security committee. This committee will investigate the airstrikes and enhance intelligence and security cooperation to combat militant threats.