Jordan’s King Abdullah II has condemned a shooting at a Greek Orthodox church in southern Jordan as terrorism and vowed a forceful response after the attack killed at least seven people and injured 40 others.
The attack took place on Friday, October 23, at Hamoud Church in the Karak governorate, according to Jordanian media reports.
Gunmen reportedly arrived by vehicle before opening fire during a funeral service at around 2:30 pm local time. The assailants fled the scene, triggering a security operation to locate those responsible.
Jordanian authorities described the incident as a terrorist attack, with the investigation continuing.
King Abdullah II condemned the shooting in a statement published on social media, promising a strong response against those responsible.
“Every Jordanian life is precious, and we will strike with an iron fist against those who dare to threaten our nation,” the King said.
Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan also condemned the attack, attributing it to what he described as a terrorist ideology.
Interior Minister Mazen al-Farrayeh said the shooting was a terrorist operation carried out by a group of extremists, confirming that security forces were continuing their search for the perpetrators.
Two Injured Remain in Critical Condition
Jordanian Health Minister Ibrahim Al-Bdour confirmed that 40 people were injured in the shooting, with two remaining in critical condition.
Government spokesperson Mohammad al-Momani announced a three-day period of national mourning for those killed.
Jordanian broadcaster Al-Mamlaka aired security camera footage reportedly showing three armed men approaching the church before the attack.
Security forces were deployed to the area as authorities worked to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and identify those responsible.
International Condemnation
The attack drew widespread condemnation from regional leaders and international organisations.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi offered his condolences to King Abdullah II, while Lebanese President Joseph Aoun described the shooting as a terrorist attack.
The foreign ministries of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Syria also condemned the violence.
US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz described the shooting as devastating and expressed support for the victims, their families and those affected.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack, stressing that assaults against civilians and places of worship are unacceptable.
The European Union also condemned the shooting and expressed solidarity with Jordan and its people.
Christians in Jordan
Christians account for approximately two to three per cent of Jordan’s population, with established communities in Amman, Karak and other parts of the kingdom.
Although Jordan has generally experienced relatively few attacks targeting Christian communities, incidents have occurred in the past.
In 2008, a Lebanese Christian choir was attacked in Amman. The following year, authorities foiled a plot to bomb a Roman Catholic church.
The shooting at Hamoud Church represents a significant security incident, with authorities continuing their investigation and the search for those responsible.
(Source: AL-Monitor, Jordanian state broadcaster Al-Mamlaka)
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