Jordan launches air strikes in Syria after church attack kills nine
Jordan struck militant targets in Syria, killing more than 20 by its count, but Syria said seven people, including three children, died.
A church attack in Jordan last Friday left nine dead and at least 34 wounded. The attack happened during a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in Hamoud, about 120 kilometres southwest of Amman.
Jordan's security forces arrested three suspects after a shootout at an abandoned house. In response, Jordan's air force struck what it called militant hideouts in southern Syria on Monday.
Jordan said the operation was coordinated with Damascus. But Syria's government denied this and started an investigation.
The Jordanian government claimed the strikes killed more than 20 Islamic State militants. Syria reported the strikes killed seven people, including three children and a woman.
Jordan acknowledged the civilian deaths and expressed regret.
Why it mattersThe church attack and military strikes sparked a dispute. Jordan and Syria disagreed over whether they had coordinated the response.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, but regional instability could eventually impact Middle East travel and security.
Corroborated byperthnow.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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