Funeral Shooting at Greek Orthodox Church in Jordan

A chaotic scene unfolded in Jordan’s Karak governorate as gunmen attacked a church during a funeral. Reports indicate seven fatalities and 40 injuries in the assault. The incident took place at a Greek Orthodox church located roughly 90 kilometers south of Amman, the nation’s capital.

State television footage captured two gunmen wielding pistols as they approached the church, followed by a third with a semiautomatic rifle. The assailants fired at the congregation, creating panic among the mourners.

Dorgham Halasa, present at the funeral, described the sudden eruption of gunfire. Witnesses recount seeing four attackers, though authorities have not confirmed this number. Investigation efforts are ongoing as the attackers’ identities and whereabouts remain unknown.

In response to the tragedy, Jordan declared three days of national mourning. Security personnel were on high alert, especially during King Abdullah II’s visit to a hospital treating the injured. The King vowed strict penalties for those behind the attack, condemning it as an act of terrorism.

The city of Karak has a history of violence, including a 2016 attack on police involving armed militants. Previous confrontations claimed the lives of ten individuals, including security officers. The attackers were eventually neutralized after a protracted standoff.

Health Minister Ibrahim al-Budour reported that two victims remain in critical condition. Officials, like Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, attribute the attack to extremist ideologies and promise justice will be served.

Regional leaders have expressed solidarity with Jordan. Condolences have come from countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, and Oman. In Cairo, the grand imam of Al-Azhar condemned the attack as a ‘heinous terrorist act.’ Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein assured support to Jordan in combatting terrorism.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the attack, labeling it ‘especially heinous’ and urged for accountability in bringing the perpetrators to justice.