Pakistan has strongly condemned the “heinous terrorist attack” on a funeral procession at a church in Jordan’s Karak Governorate, reiterating its condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Gunmen killed at least seven people and wounded dozens at a church in southern Jordan on Friday. According to reports, the assailants stormed the compound of a Greek Orthodox church in the village of Hammoud in Karak Governorate and opened fire.
According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office (FO), Pakistan extended its heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, particularly the bereaved families, and expressed its wishes for the speedy recovery of those injured.
“Pakistan stands in firm solidarity with the brotherly people of Jordan in their fight against terrorism, and reiterates its strongest condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations”, the statement added.
The incident occurred when gunmen got out of a vehicle and opened fire during a funeral procession, Jordan’s Public Security Directorate said in a statement, adding that a manhunt was under way for the perpetrators.
“The terrorist attack against Karak will be met with the harshest retaliation,” King Abdullah II said in a post on X.
“We will strike with an iron fist against those who dare to threaten our nation.” According to images from state broadcaster Al-Mamlaka, the king arrived in Karak on Friday evening.
After authorities gave a death toll of six, Director of Public Security Major General Abdullah Al-Maaytah said it had risen to seven with 34 injured, 27 of whom were still receiving treatment.
Footage aired by Al-Mamlaka showed two gunmen dressed in casual clothes and brandishing pistols, with a third carrying a long gun as they opened fire on the church.
A witness said the gunmen fired continuously for five minutes before fleeing. Between 150 and 200 people were in and around the church at the time, the witness said.