Gunmen opened fire during a church funeral in Jordan, killing seven people and wounding 40 others. The attack occurred at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, south of Amman.
Footage broadcast on Jordanian state television showed two gunmen approaching a Greek Orthodox church in Karak and firing shots. A third man, seen carrying a semiautomatic rifle, then joined the attack before all three ran toward the church. Witness video captured broken glass and bloodstains inside the church. The attack occurred during a funeral and resulted in seven deaths and 40 injuries, according to authorities. Dorgham Halasa, a mourner present at the church, said intense gunfire erupted 15 minutes after the funeral had started, prompting people to flee. He did not see the attackers, though others reported seeing four individuals involved.
Authorities described the attack as being carried out by unknown assailants, with no immediate details on the capture or death of any gunmen. Jordan has declared three days of national mourning, and the health minister reported that two of the wounded are in critical condition. Regional leaders have condemned the attack as a terrorist act. King Abdullah II stated that Jordan will confront the attack with the harshest penalties, while the prime minister emphasized that legal measures will be taken against those promoting extremism. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from neighboring countries, including Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, and Oman.
Why it matters
The attack highlights the vulnerability of religious sites in Jordan and the ongoing threat of terrorism in the region.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Jordanian authorities will provide updates on the investigation and any arrests related to the attack.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.