Jordanian air force jets carried out multiple airstrikes in southern Syria on October 26, 2026, in direct response to a deadly attack on a church in the Jordanian city of Karak.

The strikes targeted areas in the Deraa countryside of Syria, according to Syrian authorities. These operations were a retaliatory measure following the violence that occurred on Friday, which resulted in the deaths of nine people at a church in Karak and injured several others.

Syrian state media reported that the Jordanian raids killed several people, including children, in the Deraa region. Details regarding the specific targets within southern Syria were not immediately disclosed.

The attack on Karak, a historic tourist destination in Jordan, involved armed assailants who stormed a police station and a church, holding hostages for several hours before being neutralized by security forces. The violence shocked the kingdom and prompted swift action from its military.

Jordan's decision to conduct airstrikes within Syrian territory signifies a significant escalation in its response, demonstrating a willingness to pursue perpetrators or disrupt operations deemed a threat originating from beyond its borders. This action underscores the complex security environment in the region and Jordan's commitment to combating terrorism.

Details about the perpetrators of the Karak church attack and their affiliations have been a focus of Jordanian authorities. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with three suspects having been arrested in connection with the attack.

The broader implications of Jordan's unilateral military action in Syria are yet to be fully understood. Such actions can impact regional dynamics and international relations, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict and instability within Syria.

Further information is expected regarding the specific objectives of the Jordanian airstrikes and the potential consequences for bilateral relations between Jordan and Syria, as well as the wider international coalition operating in the region.