Jordan's military said its air force struck hideouts of terrorist organisations in southern Syria on Monday 26 October 2026, in retaliation for an attack on a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, Jordan, three days earlier.

The church attack and the response

The attack on St George's Church in Hammoud, Karak governorate, during a funeral on 23 October, killed nine people and wounded at least 34, according to most reports of the incident. Jordan announced three suspects arrested after a shootout on 26 October, and named its operation Jordanian Deterrence – Hmoud. Syria subsequently closed the Nasib border crossing with Jordan to passenger and freight traffic.

Two points of dispute

Two elements of the aftermath are disputed and are reported here as claims, not settled fact. Jordan says the strikes were coordinated with the Syrian government; Damascus said on 27 October there was no prior coordination or notification. On casualties from the strikes themselves, Syrian health officials cited by the BBC reported five killed in a Daraa village strike, while Syria's Civil Defence reported seven killed across Daraa and Sweida, including children and elderly men; Jordan's statement did not confirm civilian casualties or name the groups targeted. The wounded figure for the church attack is also reported as at least 34 in most reports, with one report giving 40.

Sources: AFP via Pakistan TV; Thames Compass roundup citing BBC/AP and Syrian sources, 26-27 October 2026.