Jordan retracts report of 14-man border infiltration

Jordan's military initially said border guards thwarted about 14 armed men crossing from Syria into northern Jordan on Friday evening. It said the group moved under heavy covering fire, guards engaged immediately and decisively in accordance with established rules of engagement, the clash caused casualties, and survivors fled back into Syria. On Saturday the army deleted the statement and asked media to remove reports of the attempt, giving no further details. The reports followed reopening of the main border crossing after Monday airstrikes in Deraa and Sweida. Syria's Al-Ekhbariya TV, citing the Daraa health directorate, said seven civilians were killed; Ajel later reported eight. Jordan's Armed Forces said two ISIS members died in strikes on hideouts linked to the Karak Church attack, which Jordan's Public Security Directorate said killed nine. Syria said the strikes lacked prior coordination and conveyed objections. After a call between Foreign Ministers Asaad al-Shaibani and Ayman Safadi, they agreed to a joint security committee to investigate and share intelligence. Safadi expressed deep regret and sorrow over civilian deaths.