Gunmen attacked a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, Jordan, during a funeral on Friday, resulting in the deaths of seven people and injuring 40 others. This attack occurred around 90 kilometers south of Amman, the capital of Jordan.
Footage from Jordanian state television showed two gunmen with pistols approaching the church and firing. A third person, armed with a semiautomatic rifle, also joined in shooting. The chaos left broken glass and blood inside the church, as shown in footage captured by witnesses.
Dorgham Halasa, who attended the funeral, described a sudden burst of intense gunfire, which happened about 15 minutes after the service began. This caused panic among the attendees. Halasa mentioned hearing of four assailants, though this number could not be independently verified by the Associated Press. Jordan’s security services initially withheld specific details, revealing only that investigations started right away. No immediate information was given about capturing or neutralizing the gunmen.
The government declared three days of national mourning. King Abdullah II expressed strong condemnation, pledging stringent action against those responsible. At a security meeting, Prime Minister Jafar Hassan labeled the attack as a product of terrorist ideology, promising severe punishment for the perpetrators and measures against extremist influences.
International reactions were swift. Condemnation and offers of solidarity came from Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, and Oman. The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in Cairo, Ahmed al-Tayeb, described the event as a “heinous terrorist attack.” Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein voiced Iraq’s support for Jordan in combating terrorism, and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the attack “especially heinous,” urging that the attackers be found and brought to justice.
This tragic incident in Karak underscores ongoing security challenges facing Jordan, particularly evident in past conflicts. For example, in 2016, similar attacks occurred, including one at a Crusader castle, resulting in multiple casualties. Jordan’s government remains vigilant in addressing these threats, with soldiers and security officers reinforcing security, particularly in affected areas like Karak.