Brief
Three gunmen open fire at Jordan church funeral, killing eight
Security forces hunt the three unknown assailants while King Abdullah II vows harsh penalties.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Security forces in Jordan are searching for three masked gunmen who opened fire during a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in the village of Hamoud, Karak governorate, on Friday afternoon, killing eight people and injuring dozens, according to the Jordan Ministry of Health and Petra news agency.
What happened
Survivors said an explosion rang out shortly after the service began. Two attackers arrived in a vehicle, were joined by a third carrying a semi‑automatic rifle, and entered the church. They fired for several minutes before fleeing. One survivor, lawyer Nasser al‑Burqan, told Reuters that an assailant stood about two metres away and pointed a handgun at him. His son, also present, later called to say he had been shot in the leg and was hospitalized.
What the reports add
Al‑Jazeera reported that state news channel Al‑Mamlaka said security forces were deployed to the site and were pursuing two suspects who had arrived in the vehicle. Petra news agency provided the casualty figures: eight dead – seven at the scene and one who died hours later – and about 40 injured, of whom 27 remain in hospital. The Director of Prince Ali Military Hospital in Karak said one patient is in critical condition after surgery.
What was said
King Abdullah II said those behind the attack would face the “harshest penalties” and offered condolences to victims’ families. He also ordered a review of the country’s security procedures for responding to terrorist attacks. Mayor Bahjat al‑Rushda of nearby Shihan village called the incident “wicked” and said, “God willing, this country will remain safe.”
How it came about
The attack is being treated as a rare act of terror against a Christian place of worship. Authorities have not identified the three gunmen, referring to them only as “unknown assailants.” Security camera footage of the shooting has been circulating online, but no official identification has been released.
Key facts
- Eight people were killed in the church shooting, including seven at the scene and one later in hospital. (aljazeera.com)
- Around 40 people were injured, with 27 still in hospital. (aljazeera.com)
- Three masked gunmen carried out the attack, using a handgun and a semi‑automatic rifle. (aljazeera.com)
- King Abdullah II pledged the harshest penalties for the perpetrators and ordered a security review. (aljazeera.com)
Sources
- [1] aljazeera.com — originally reported as “Who was behind the deadly church shooting in Jordan?”
