Jordanian Armed Forces conducted airstrikes in southern Syria on 26 October 2026, targeting sites identified as terrorist organization hideouts. Officials named the operation 'Jordanian Deterrence – Hamoud' following the deaths at the Hamoud church in Karak on 23 October 2026. A statement from the Jordanian Armed Forces clarified the motivation behind the military action. "The operation comes in retaliation for our martyrs who died in the Hamoud church in Karak last Friday," the Jordanian Armed Forces said. The strikes represent a direct response to the security incident that occurred in the city of Karak. Military planners launched the mission to address the threat posed by organizations operating within the border region.
Military Operation and Casualties
A Jordanian government spokesperson stated that the airstrikes killed more than 20 members of the Islamic State. These military actions also resulted in the destruction of a large weapons depot located within the targeted area.
Reports concerning the impact of the operation on civilians differ between the two nations. The Syrian Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management reported that 8 people were killed during the strikes. This casualty count includes 3 children, 3 men, and 1 woman.
Border Crossing Traffic Suspended
The Syrian General Authority for Ports and Customs suspended all passenger and commercial traffic at the Nasib border crossing with Jordan on 27 October 2026. This administrative action halts the movement of goods and individuals between the two countries at a primary transit point. Officials from the Syrian General Authority for Ports and Customs issued a formal statement regarding the decision. "Due to the current situation and field developments in Daraa Governorate, the General Authority for Ports and Customs announces the closure of the Nasib border crossing with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on Tuesday due to current circumstances," the authority said.
Jordan and Syria have agreed to form a joint committee to address the situation and its repercussions. This body will function as a bilateral mechanism intended to evaluate the impact of the border closure and coordinate responses to the ongoing developments. The establishment of this committee follows the suspension of transit activities at the Nasib crossing, which serves as a major logistical link for trade and travel between the neighboring nations. Representatives from both governments are expected to participate in the committee to manage the consequences of the recent military operations and the resulting shift in border operations. No timeline for the restoration of traffic at the Nasib crossing has been provided by either government.
