Jordan Launches Air Strikes in Syria in Response to Church Shooting
Jordan has initiated air strikes within Syria in retaliation for the fatal shooting at a Christian church, according to a statement from the kingdom's military.
The attack at St. Mark's Church in Amman on Sunday left at least 5 dead and 12 wounded. A Jordanian security source confirmed that the perpetrator was an Iraqi national who had previously entered Syria with the intention of joining the Islamic State (IS) group.
Syrian state media denied any prior coordination with Jordan regarding the strikes. Two provinces, Homs and Hama, were targeted, resulting in the deaths of at least seven people, including civilians.
Jordanian military officials stated that the airstrikes were aimed at striking IS positions within Syria, as the group has been responsible for several attacks in Jordan recently.
The Jordanian government has urged the international community to support its efforts in combating terrorism, as the country continues to face challenges from the IS group.
This escalation comes amidst ongoing conflicts in Syria, with the Syrian government and opposition forces clashing in various regions across the country.
Syrian Government Denies Coordination with Jordan
Syrian state media has denied any prior coordination with Jordan regarding the airstrikes carried out by the Jordanian military in response to the church shooting incident.
The Syrian government's denial highlights the complexities involved in regional conflicts and the lack of direct communication between opposing parties.
At Least Seven Dead in Jordanian Air Strikes
The airstrikes in Syria resulted in the deaths of at least seven people, including civilians, according to Syrian sources.
The strikes targeted IS positions in Homs and Hama provinces, drawing international attention to Jordan's efforts in combating the terrorist group.
Jordan Urges International Support
The Jordanian government has called for international support in combating terrorism following the church shooting and subsequent air strikes.
The escalation in the region comes amidst ongoing conflicts in Syria, with government forces and opposition groups engaged in battles across the country.
Background: The Syrian Conflict
- Syria has been embroiled in a protracted civil war since 2011, resulting in a complex and multifaceted conflict involving multiple regional and international actors.
- The Islamic State (IS) group has been a persistent threat in the region, launching attacks on both Syrian and Jordanian targets.
The church shooting in Jordan and subsequent airstrikes in Syria highlight the challenges faced by the Jordanian government in safeguarding its own territory while dealing with the broader regional security concerns.
<small>Source: Al Jazeera — read the original story there.</small>