Jordan declares three days of mourning after church attack kills seven
Jordan has declared three days of national mourning after a gun attack on mourners attending a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in the southern governorate of Karak killed seven people and injured 27 others.
The attack took place near St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Hamoud village, where unidentified gunmen opened fire on people attending the funeral, according to Jordanian authorities.
Public Security Director Obaidallah Maaytah announced the updated death toll on Friday, revising an earlier report of six deaths and 28 injuries.
Jordanian broadcaster Al-Mamlaka TV, citing an unnamed source, reported that two gunmen stepped out of a vehicle and opened fire. An eyewitness said the attackers fired continuously for about five minutes, with between 150 and 200 people inside and outside the church at the time.
Authorities pursue suspects as investigation continues
Interior Minister Mazin Al Farrayeh described the incident as a terrorist operation carried out by extremists and said security agencies were working around the clock to identify and apprehend those responsible.
“It is early to discuss the perpetrators and their affiliations,” Al Farrayeh said, adding that the investigation was continuing.
Government spokesman Mohammad Momani attributed the attack to extremist takfiri ideology, which labels others as unbelievers. He said investigators were examining whether the perpetrators had links to an organised group and that findings would be announced when the investigation was complete.
Momani also stressed that Christians were an integral part of Jordan’s national fabric and had deep roots in the country’s history and identity.
Amman Attorney General Hassan Abdallat imposed a publication ban on the case, prohibiting media outlets and social media users from publishing or circulating information, photographs or videos relating to the investigation, except through official state media. Violations could lead to legal action.
King Abdullah vows harsh response
King Abdullah II condemned the attack and pledged the harshest retaliation against those responsible.
“Those who delude themselves into thinking that they can divide Jordanians with their bullets have no chance in the face of our unity,” the king wrote on X.
He said Jordanians shared a common destiny and warned that authorities would respond firmly to threats against the country. He also offered condolences to the victims’ families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The king visited injured victims at Karak Government Hospital on Friday evening.
Prime Minister Jafar Hassan ordered three days of national mourning beginning Oct. 23, with flags to be flown at half-staff at government ministries, departments and public institutions.
The government said the mourning period reflected the grief of Jordanians and national solidarity following the attack.
Türkiye, Arab states and international organisations condemn attack
Türkiye strongly condemned the shooting, with its Foreign Ministry expressing condolences to the victims’ families and the Jordanian people and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
Ankara reaffirmed its solidarity with Jordan in the face of what it described as an attack targeting the country’s unity and stability.
The European Union also condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Jordan’s government and people, offering support for the ongoing security investigation.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the killings. His spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said an attack on a place of worship during a funeral procession was particularly heinous. Guterres called for those responsible to be identified and held accountable.
Condemnations also came from 11 Arab countries: Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Palestine, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
The Arab League and the Arab Interior Ministers Council expressed solidarity with Jordan and backed efforts to protect its security and stability.
Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy denounced the attack as an unacceptable act of terrorism and called for national unity against attempts to spread division and chaos.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the attack violated the sanctity of places of worship and the dignity of the dead and mourners. Syrian and Iraqi officials also expressed support for Jordan, while the Palestinian presidency condemned the targeting of civilians and religious sites.
Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other Gulf states reaffirmed their opposition to terrorism and their support for efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Calls for unity amid national mourning
The attack has prompted renewed calls for solidarity among Jordan’s Muslim and Christian communities, with regional religious and political figures rejecting attempts to provoke sectarian divisions.
Palestine’s Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs called on Palestinian churches to ring their bells in solidarity with the victims and urged Muslims and Christians to attend a gathering in Bethlehem’s Manger Square on Sunday.
Jordanian authorities have vowed to pursue the attackers and anyone connected to the crime. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not yet confirmed the suspects’ identities or possible organisational affiliations.
Source:AA
