Daraa:Syria The death toll from recent Jordanian airstrikes on Syria's southern Daraa province has increased to seven. Syrian state media reports that the Syrian government has rejected Jordan's claim that the strikes were coordinated in advance.
According to NAMPA, Khaled al-Amyan, head of Daraa's Health Directorate, informed the Syrian state news agency SANA that the fatalities include three children, three men, and a woman, with an additional three individuals injured. He also mentioned on Syrian state TV Al-Ikhbariya that rescue operations are ongoing to search for potential additional victims, and the final casualty count is yet to be confirmed.
The Syrian government issued a statement indicating it is closely monitoring the aftermath of the Jordanian airstrikes, emphasizing that the operation was conducted without prior coordination with Syrian authorities. The government extended condolences to the families of the victims and noted that relevant authorities are working to assist those affected by the strikes.
In addition, the Syrian government has launched investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the airstrikes, while maintaining open communication channels with Jordan to discuss the incident and explore joint security coordination in border areas. The Syrian Foreign Ministry expressed its strong objection to Jordan regarding military operations on Syrian soil conducted without prior coordination.
The Syrian General Authority for Ports and Customs announced the closure of the Nasib border crossing with Jordan, effective Tuesday, citing security concerns and ongoing developments in Daraa province. This closure will halt all passenger and commercial traffic in both directions to ensure the safety of travelers and border personnel.
Earlier reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights indicated that airstrikes targeted multiple locations in Daraa and the adjacent Sweida province, including areas near al-Muzayrib, Nasib, and Khalkhalah military airport. The Jordanian Armed Forces confirmed the airstrikes, describing them as targeting terrorist hideouts in southern Syria, a claim contested by Damascus.
Jordan's military stated that the operation, named "Jordanian Deterrence-Hmoud," was conducted in coordination with the Syrian government, despite Syrian authorities' denial. Jordan justified the strikes as retaliation for a deadly attack during a church funeral in Karak governorate, alleging ties to militant organizations in southern Syria. The Jordanian military reported that several suspected militants were killed or injured, and sites and equipment were destroyed, though specific casualties were not disclosed.