Syria reopened its primary border crossing with Jordan on Wednesday, signaling a tentative easing of tensions between the two neighbours following a recent military confrontation. The Nassib crossing on the Syrian side, known as Jaber on the Jordanian side, had been closed after Jordan launched a retaliatory strike in southern Syria earlier last week.

The escalation stemmed from a deadly attack on a Greek Orthodox church in Jordan’s Karak governorate, where gunmen killed nine people and wounded 25 during a funeral service. In response, Jordanian forces conducted airstrikes on what Amman described as militant positions inside Syria, targeting sites believed to be linked to the Islamic State group, referred to as Daesh in official statements. Jordanian officials reported killing more than 20 militants and destroying a sizable weapons depot.

Syria condemned the Jordanian military action as a violation of its sovereignty and a breach of international norms, asserting that the strikes occurred without prior coordination. Syrian state media reported that seven people were killed in the attacks, including three children, and highlighted damage in the village of Al Taf in Daraa province, near the Jordanian border. Eyewitness accounts described significant destruction, including the loss of family members.

Jordan, for its part, stated that it had coordinated the strikes with Syrian authorities, a claim denied by Damascus. In an effort to ease diplomatic strains, Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi spoke with his Syrian counterpart on Tuesday, expressing respect for Syria’s sovereignty and regret over civilian casualties. A joint statement following the call emphasized discussions on security cooperation against Daesh targets.

Jordan’s government spokesman Mohammad Al Momani characterized the airstrikes as a necessary response to terrorism, underscoring the successful targeting of militant forces and weapon caches. Meanwhile, Syrian officials announced plans for a joint security committee with Jordan to oversee ongoing counterterrorism efforts and avoid future confrontations.

The resurgence of diplomatic engagement comes as both countries seek to manage the fallout from the strikes, with Syria’s Emergencies and Disaster Management Minister Raed Al Saleh confirming that discussions are proceeding through legal and diplomatic channels to ensure accountability for civilian harm.

Authorities in Jordan have arrested three suspects linked to the church attack, including two brothers and a relative, following a shootout with security forces. The Karak area is notable for its significant Christian minority within Jordan's largely Muslim population.

With the border crossing reopened and dialogue resumed, Syria and Jordan appear to be pursuing a cautious approach toward restoring stability and cooperation amid ongoing regional security challenges.