Syria-Jordan border reopens amid probe into deadly airstrikes
Syria is reopening its border crossing with Jordan as both countries investigate Jordanian strikes on suspected ISIL sites that killed seven people in southern Syria.
The Nassib crossing, Jordan's only border point with Syria, will reopen on Wednesday morning with full passenger and commercial traffic resuming, according to Syria's state news agency SANA. The closure followed Jordanian airstrikes on Monday targeting ISIL 'hideouts' in southern Syria's Deraa and Suwayda regions.
The strikes killed at least seven people, including five members of one family, three of whom were children. Syria's emergency management teams responded to attacks at four sites, while ISIL claimed responsibility for the church shooting in Jordan's Karak that prompted the military response.
Security Committee Formed
Following a phone call between the two countries' top diplomats, Syria and Jordan agreed to establish a security committee to investigate the strikes' impact. The committee will develop 'field and intelligence coordination in dealing with terrorist threats' to protect civilians.
Diplomatic Exchange
Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi expressed 'deep regret' over civilian deaths during his conversation with Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani. Safadi emphasized Jordan's respect for Syria's sovereignty, though Damascus denied claims that the strikes were coordinated with the Syrian government.
The church shooting in Karak claimed nine lives and wounded 34 others, with Jordanian authorities arresting two brothers and their brother-in-law as suspects. The reopening of the border crossing signals a de-escalation in tensions between the neighboring countries.
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