The Syrian government has recalled the Jordanian ambassador in Damascus to protest airstrikes carried out by Jordan on Tuesday, which resulted in the deaths of seven people, including children. The airstrikes targeted areas in southern Syria, with the Syrian government stating that they were an "unacceptable violation" of Syrian airspace. The Syrian Foreign Ministry announced the recall of the ambassador and delivered a protest note to him.
The Jordanian airstrikes were conducted in response to an attack on a church in Jordan's Karak region, which killed nine people and injured 25 others. Jordan stated that the attackers were linked to organizations based in southern Syria. The Jordanian military claimed that the airstrikes targeted sites belonging to the Islamic State (ISIS) and resulted in the deaths of over 20 people.
The Syrian government strongly condemned the airstrikes, describing them as an "aggression" against Syrian sovereignty. The government also stated that the airstrikes had caused significant damage to infrastructure and resulted in the displacement of many civilians. The Syrian people have expressed outrage and frustration over the airstrikes, which have exacerbated tensions between Syria and Jordan.
In an effort to de-escalate tensions, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi held a phone call with his Syrian counterpart, Asad Al-Shibani. During the call, Safadi expressed his "deep regret" over the civilian casualties and emphasized Jordan's respect for Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The two ministers agreed to establish a joint security committee to investigate the incident and develop mechanisms for cooperation on counter-terrorism.
The airstrikes have sparked widespread anger in Syria, with many Syrians viewing them as a violation of their country's sovereignty. The incident has also raised concerns about the potential for further escalation between Syria and Jordan. The Syrian government has called for calm and urged Jordan to respect its sovereignty.
Jordan has carried out several airstrikes on southern Syria in recent years, targeting suspected ISIS positions and smuggling networks. The incident has highlighted the complex security situation in the region and the challenges faced by countries in addressing terrorism and maintaining regional stability.
The recall of the Jordanian ambassador is a significant escalation in tensions between the two countries, which have had a complicated relationship in recent years. The incident has sparked concerns about the potential for further conflict in the region and the need for greater cooperation and dialogue between countries to address common security challenges.
Key points
- Syria recalls Jordanian ambassador over airstrikes that killed seven people
- Jordanian airstrikes targeted suspected ISIS positions in southern Syria
- Incident sparks tensions between Syria and Jordan, with Syria condemning the airstrikes as a violation of its sovereignty
