Jordanian border guards have thwarted an attempt by a group of 14 armed individuals to cross into the country from neighbouring Syria following a gunfire exchange, raising fresh concerns over security along the two countries’ shared border.
The Jordanian Armed Forces said on Saturday, October 31, that the group attempted to infiltrate northern Jordan on Friday under heavy covering fire.
The military said its border guards responded immediately, engaging the group in direct clashes and inflicting multiple casualties.
It added that the surviving members fled back into Syrian territory.
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The military did not identify the individuals involved or disclose their suspected affiliations.
It also did not provide an exact number of those killed or wounded during the confrontation.
The incident comes amid persistent security concerns along Jordan’s border with Syria, where authorities have repeatedly reported attempts involving weapons and drug smuggling.
According to Jordanian officials, smuggling networks have increasingly adopted sophisticated methods to transport illegal substances across the frontier.
The latest confrontation comes days after Jordan launched airstrikes against what it described as militant hideouts in southern Syria.
Amman said the strikes targeted Islamic State-linked positions following a deadly October 23 attack at a Greek Orthodox church in Jordan’s southern Karak governorate.
The attack, which occurred during a funeral gathering, killed nine people and injured at least 34 others.
Their authorities attributed the violence to extremist militants and vowed a strong response against those responsible.
Jordan subsequently said more than 20 Islamic State militants were killed in the airstrikes, although Syrian authorities disputed the account, reporting that seven civilians, including three children and a woman, died.
The airstrikes heightened diplomatic tensions between Amman and Damascus, with Syria condemning the operation as a violation of its sovereignty.
The Foreign Minister expressed regret over civilian casualties and reaffirmed the kingdom’s respect for Syria’s sovereignty.
Both countries have since agreed to establish a joint security committee to investigate the incident and strengthen intelligence-sharing and cooperation along their shared border.
Despite the latest confrontation, the country and Syria have continued efforts to improve bilateral relations, particularly in tackling cross-border smuggling and militant activities.
