Jordan Closes Sole Syrian Border Gate After Airstrikes Kill Seven

Jordanian aircraft bombed positions in southern Syria on Monday, killing at least seven people and prompting the immediate closure of the country's only border crossing with Damascus. The Nassib gate, which handles all passenger and commercial traffic between the two states, suspended operations in both directions following the strikes.

Amman launched the operation in response to a shooting at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak governorate last week. Three men opened fire during a funeral service approximately 90 kilometers south of Amman. The attack left nine people dead and dozens wounded. Jordanian military officials stated that Monday's strikes targeted hideouts for armed groups linked to the attackers in southeastern Syria.

The Jordanian armed forces said the operation destroyed several vehicles and killed many members of the targeted groups. The military confirmed it coordinated the effort with the Syrian government, though Damascus has disputed that claim. A statement from the Syrian defense ministry on Telegram said one Jordanian attack hit five members of a single family. That group included three children, a woman, and a man. Two other strikes killed a 60-year-old man and an 80-year-old man. The attacks occurred in the southern provinces of Deraa and Suwayda.

Syrian authorities have opened an investigation into the cross-border strikes. The government emphasized the need for joint field and security coordination in border areas. Jordanian security forces arrested three suspects in the village of Al-Jadeeda earlier on Monday. The group consists of two brothers and their brother-in-law. A government source noted that the men sustained serious injuries during a three-hour shootout with police.

King Abdullah II pledged a stern response to the Karak attack, which struck a community where Christians make up a minority population of roughly 300,000 in a nation of 11.5 million. The monarch ordered a review of national security procedures and said those responsible would face the harshest penalties.

The closure of the Nassib crossing marks a sharp escalation in border tensions. Traffic halts at this single gateway will directly impact regional trade and travel. Jordanian and Syrian officials are expected to hold further talks to resolve the dispute over the airstrikes and the status of the detained suspects.