The Media Line: Syria, Jordan Reopen Sole Border Crossing After Strikes, Agree To Joint Investigation  

Syria, Jordan Reopen Sole Border Crossing After Strikes, Agree To Joint Investigation  

By The Media Line Staff  

Syria and Jordan reopened the Nasib-Jaber border crossing Wednesday, restoring the only open route for passenger and commercial traffic between the countries after it was temporarily closed following Jordanian airstrikes in southern Syria.  

Traffic through the crossing returned to normal after Tuesday’s closure, according to Syria.  

The reopening came as the two governments moved to address the strikes through a joint security committee. Syrian foreign affairs chief Asaad al-Shaibani and Jordan’s minister of foreign affairs and expatriates, Ayman Safadi, agreed to establish the committee during a telephone conversation, Syrian state news agency SANA reported early Wednesday.  

Monday evening’s Jordanian airstrikes hit several locations in southern Syria, reportedly killing seven civilians, including three children, and injuring three others.  

Jordan said the raids struck hideouts belonging to armed terrorist groups and neutralized more than 20 gunmen. Jordan’s Armed Forces identified the targets as Islamic State militants and said the operation was carried out in coordination with Damascus.  

Syrian authorities disputed Jordan’s account of the coordination. Damascus said it had not been consulted beforehand and objected to military operations conducted inside Syrian territory without advance consultation.  

Jordan linked its military action to a deadly attack during a church funeral in Karak governorate last Friday. According to the Jordanian military, those responsible for the attack had ties to terrorist organizations operating in southern Syria.  

Safadi conveyed his condolences to the families of those killed in the Jordanian strikes and expressed deep regret over the civilian casualties during his conversation with al-Shaibani.  

The two officials also agreed that their countries’ security authorities should coordinate directly in efforts against terrorism and cross-border arms and drug smuggling. Both reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close relations between Jordan and Syria.   

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