Jordan launched air strikes in southeastern Syria on Monday, targeting hideouts of armed groups it said were linked to a deadly church shooting in Jordan last week. Initial reports indicate at least seven people were killed in the Jordanian operation, including a woman and children.

The Jordanian military stated that the strikes were a direct response to the attack on a church in the Karak governorate on Monday, which left nine people dead and dozens wounded. The operation aimed to disrupt what Jordan described as “terrorist organisations” responsible for the church assault. The military reported that the strikes resulted in casualties among the targeted groups and the destruction of their vehicles, without specifying the exact groups or locations.

Syria, however, has denied any prior coordination with Jordan regarding the air strikes. The Syrian defence ministry stated that one Jordanian attack in the southern provinces of Deraa and Suwayda killed a family of five, including three children and a woman. Other reported strikes killed two elderly men. Syria has launched an investigation into the incidents and emphasized the need for joint security coordination in border areas.

The Jordanian strikes and Syria's denial highlight ongoing tensions and complexities in the region’s security landscape. The closure of the Nassib border crossing, Jordan's sole commercial and passenger link with Syria, in both directions following the air strikes, further underscores the immediate impact of the events.

The church attack in Jordan on October 23 prompted a swift response from Jordanian security forces. Earlier on Monday, security forces arrested three suspects, identified as two brothers and their brother-in-law, in the village of Al-Jadeeda. These individuals are believed to be involved in the Karak church shooting. A Jordanian government source indicated that the suspects sustained serious injuries during a prolonged confrontation with authorities.

While Jordan has not named the specific groups targeted in Syria, the operation suggests a cross-border dimension to the fight against militant activities. The Jordanian military’s description of the targets as “terrorist organisations” aligns with broader regional efforts to combat extremist groups operating in conflict zones.

The incident raises questions about intelligence sharing and operational coordination between Jordan and Syria, especially given Syria's denial of prior agreement. The Syrian government’s launch of an investigation also points to potential friction over sovereignty and security protocols.

The closure of the Nassib crossing, a vital trade and transit point, is expected to have economic repercussions for both countries. The duration of this suspension and its eventual resolution will depend on the de-escalation of security concerns and any diplomatic engagements that follow these cross-border military actions.