Syria and Jordan reopened their border and agreed to establish a joint committee on the airstrikes.
Why it matters: The reopening restores passenger and commercial traffic on a key route linking Jordan with Syria and regional markets. The committee could help manage tensions, but casualty figures and Syria's sovereignty concerns remain disputed.
- The Nasib-Jaber crossing closed on October 27, 2026, and reopened on October 28.
- The joint security committee will examine the October 26, 2026, strikes, civilian casualties and field and intelligence coordination.
- Jordan said the strikes targeted Islamic State positions based on intelligence about imminent threats; it reported more than 20 operatives killed and a weapons depot destroyed.
- Syrian authorities and civil-defense responders reported seven civilian deaths, while Jordan later arrested three suspects in connection with the October 23 attack in Karak.
Syria and Jordan reopened the Nasib-Jaber border crossing on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, restoring passenger and commercial traffic after Damascus closed it on October 27 following Jordanian airstrikes in southern Syria. The crossing links Jordan with Syria, Turkey, Lebanon and Gulf markets.
The countries agreed to establish a joint security committee after a call between Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani. The committee will examine the air operations and their consequences, follow up on civilian casualties, and develop mechanisms for field and intelligence coordination, according to a joint foreign-ministry statement.
Jordan said its October 26, 2026, strikes targeted Islamic State positions. The government said the operation was based on intelligence about imminent threats and planned attacks against Jordan. Government spokesperson Mohammad al-Momani said more than 20 Islamic State operatives were killed and a major weapons depot was destroyed, according to the Associated Press. Those figures have not been independently verified.
Syrian authorities and civil-defense responders reported seven civilian deaths in Daraa and Sweida provinces, including five members of one family, the AP reported. Jordan expressed regret over civilian casualties and said its forces sought to avoid populated areas.
The strikes followed an October 23, 2026, attack at a Greek Orthodox church funeral in Karak, Jordan, that killed nine people. Jordan later arrested three suspects, though available reporting does not establish that they or those targeted in Syria were responsible, according to AP.
Syria called the strikes an unacceptable violation of its airspace because they were conducted without prior coordination or notification. The governments nevertheless said cooperation should address terrorism, weapons and drug smuggling while protecting Syrian sovereignty and civilians.
Bilateral trade reached approximately $432 million in the first 11 months of 2025, Al Jazeera reported. The committee's membership, mandate and timetable have not been detailed.
By the numbers
- October 26, 2026 - Date of Jordan's reported airstrikes
- 7 - Civilian deaths reported by Syrian authorities and civil-defense responders
- $432 million - Bilateral trade in the first 11 months of 2025
Yes, but: Jordan's claims about the strike targets, intelligence basis, more than 20 deaths and the weapons depot have not been independently verified. Syria disputes the operation as a violation of its airspace.