Jordan Responds to Church Attack with Airstrikes on Syrian Targets

On Saturday, security personnel guarded a Greek Orthodox church in Jordan where a funeral was interrupted by an attack. The attack resulted in a deadly response from Jordan, launching airstrikes into Syria.

The Syrian government reported that these strikes killed five people, including women, children, and an elderly man. Jordan’s air force stated that it had targeted locations linked to those behind the attack on the church. The three men involved in the church attack were captured. They were identified as Ahmad Sami Hussein, Mish’al Zaidan Muhammad, and Hazza’ Zaidan Muhammad, considered the masterminds.

During a press conference, Obeidallah Maaytah, the director of public security, shared that the suspects were apprehended after a shootout. The attack on the church increased its death toll to nine as more victims succumbed to their injuries. The attack occurred during a funeral at the Hamoud Greek Orthodox church in the area, leaving dozens wounded.

Authorities have labeled the suspects as ‘takfiri,’ indicating they are Sunni extremists similar to members of al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Despite no group claiming responsibility, responses continue as Jordanian royalty participated in funerals held for the victims.