Jordan announced that its air force has attacked military hideouts in southern Syria. This decision was made following the identification of suspects linked to last week's deadly attack on a Greek Orthodox church.
Details of the Deadly Attack
The attack on the funeral ceremony at the church resulted in the deaths of nine people and injuries to 40 others. Jordanian forces stated that this attack is linked to terrorist groups that are hiding in Syria.
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Reactions from Syria and Jordan's Security Measures
While Jordan has reported coordination with Damascus for these attacks, Syria has provided differing explanations and announced that it has begun investigations into Jordan's attacks. A health official in Syria reported that at least five civilians, including women and children, have been killed as a result of these attacks.
Additionally, Jordanian security forces arrested three men in a preemptive operation in Karak province. These arrests occurred after clashes with armed individuals who were hiding in an abandoned house. All suspects in this operation were injured, but Jordanian security forces reported no casualties.
Statement from Jordan's Interior Minister
Majd Al-Faria, Jordan's Interior Minister, stated in an interview that security services have performed their duties well and have arrested the suspects of this terrorist act. He added that the suspects showed strong resistance but ultimately surrendered and were detained.
King Abdullah II of Jordan has instructed officials to deal with an iron fist with anyone attempting to undermine the unity of the Jordanian people. He stated in a statement: "We have promised that terrorists will be punished and no support for dark ideologies that divide Jordanians will be tolerated." This statement was released following the arrests, which, according to the victims' relatives, provided little relief.
Despite this, no group has claimed responsibility for the deadly attack on Friday, and Jordan's Public Security Directorate has yet to name the suspects or announce any links to Islamist militant groups. Attacks on Christian minorities in Jordan, which is a relatively stable country in the Middle East and a close ally of the United States and Israel, are very rare.
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