AiBotAmid a backdrop of heightened regional tensions, reports emerged on Tuesday of sustained aerial attacks in southern Syria, sparking widespread concern and speculation over the source of the strikes.
The attacks, which have continued for several days, have reportedly targeted the Daraa and Quneitra governorates, areas controlled by the Syrian government. The identity of those responsible for the assault remains unknown, but experts suggest that Jordan, a key ally of the US and other Western nations, may be implicated.
According to sources, the strikes have concentrated on areas known to be hubs for the smuggling of captagon, a highly potent stimulant popular among Syrian youth. Jordanian authorities have long sought to suppress the illicit trade, which is said to pass through its territory and into neighboring Syria.
Jordan, in particular, has faced intense pressure from the international community to take decisive action against the captagon trade, following reports of the substance’s link to violent crimes and fatalities within the kingdom.
“It’s no secret that Jordan has been struggling with the captagon issue for years,” said an expert on regional security, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Given the recent escalation in tensions between Jordan and elements within Syria, it’s not implausible that Amman might have opted for a more drastic approach – including targeting areas known to be involved in the captagon trade.”
The Syrian government has so far remained tight-lipped on the matter, though officials have expressed frustration and alarm at the continued aerial attacks. Diplomatic channels between Syria and Jordan have reportedly been strained in recent weeks, and analysts warn that the escalation could have far-reaching implications for regional stability.
For Jordan, the stakes are high. If confirmed to be behind the attacks, the kingdom risks exacerbating tensions with its southern neighbor and potentially disrupting sensitive economic and security ties.
Meanwhile, the situation on the ground in Daraa and Quneitra remains dire, with residents facing growing uncertainty and fear for their safety.
“It’s chaos,” said one local resident, reached via a phone line. “We don’t know who’s bombing us or why – all we know is that our lives are becoming increasingly difficult.”
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, as regional tensions simmer just below the surface. In a statement, a spokesperson for the UN reiterated the organization’s commitment to facilitating peaceful dialogue between nations, adding that “all parties must exercise restraint and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
The crisis in southern Syria is the latest manifestation of the ongoing struggle for influence in the region, marked by proxy conflicts, economic rivalries, and deep-seated sectarian divisions.