Jordan and Syria to investigate disputed airstrikes

Jordan and Syria have agreed to form a joint security committee to investigate Jordanian airstrikes in southern Syria, after the governments gave conflicting accounts of coordination and Syrian authorities reported civilian deaths. Jordan said its air force struck targets in Daraa province in an operation against Islamic State members and a weapons depot. Jordanian officials said the strikes killed more than 20 Islamic State members. Syrian authorities reported seven civilians killed, including three children, and three others wounded. The competing claims about the targets and casualties have not been resolved by an independent finding in the reports. The two governments also dispute whether Damascus was informed beforehand. Jordan said the strikes were coordinated with the Syrian government. Syria’s Foreign Ministry said they took place without prior notification or coordination and condemned them as a violation of Syrian sovereignty. The joint committee was agreed after a telephone conversation between Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi. A joint statement said the committee would examine the strikes and strengthen border...