Syria has reopened the Nasib border crossing with Jordan to passenger and commercial traffic after a one-day closure triggered by Jordanian airstrikes in southern Syria, while the two countries agreed to establish a joint security committee to strengthen border coordination and address the aftermath of the incident.

According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), normal operations resumed at the border crossing on Wednesday morning, restoring one of the main overland trade and travel routes between the two neighbouring countries. The Nasib crossing is Jordan's only border crossing with Syria that handles both passenger and commercial traffic.

The crossing had been temporarily closed after Jordan carried out airstrikes in Syria's southern Daraa province, prompting Damascus to suspend all passenger and commercial movement across the border on security grounds.

Joint security committee to be established

Following the incident, Syria and Jordan agreed to establish a joint security committee to review the consequences of the airstrikes, enhance field and intelligence coordination, and strengthen border security.

According to a joint statement issued after talks between the two countries' foreign ministers, the committee will examine the circumstances surrounding the operation and seek to improve cooperation against cross-border security threats while respecting Syria's sovereignty.

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said the operation was based on field intelligence indicating imminent threats to Jordan's security and expressed deep regret over civilian casualties. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani reiterated Damascus' objections to military operations conducted without prior coordination.

Seven civilians killed in airstrikes

Syrian authorities said the Jordanian airstrikes killed seven civilians, including women and children, in Daraa province.

Jordan said the operation targeted Daesh (ISIS) positions and armed groups it linked to last week's deadly church attack in Karak, adding that more than 20 militants were killed during the strikes. Amman also expressed regret over the reported civilian deaths.

The reopening of the Nasib crossing is expected to restore the flow of passengers and commercial goods while diplomatic contacts continue through the newly established security committee aimed at preventing further tensions along the Syria-Jordan border.(ILKHA)