Jordan: Border guards fire on militants in Yarmouk Valley August 2

Event

Jordanian border guards opened fire on suspected Islamic State (IS) militants who were operating near the Yarmouk Valley along the Syrian border on August 2. According to army sources, multiple IS fighters were killed during the clashes, forcing the rest to retreat back into Syria. Military officials said that the militants had been pushed into the area by Syrian government forces, who were concluding operations to remove the group from southwestern Syria. Dozens of IS fighters are still suspected of hiding the Yarmouk Basin between Syria and Jordan.

Context

Cross-border activities from Syria into Jordan are not common but do occur.

Syria remains enmeshed in a complex civil war that started between the Assad government and opposition forces in March 2011. Today, the conflict involves many parties, including the Syrian government, the Russian government, the Iranian government, the Turkish government, a US-led coalition, and numerous armed groups on the ground (including the Islamic State) with competing goals.

Advice

Individuals in Jordan are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities or their home governments.