By Ahmed Abdelsalam
Nine people were killed and 40 others injured after gunmen opened fire during a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in Jordan. The attack, which targeted the Christian minority, occurred at St. George’s Greek Orthodox church in Hamoud, located within the Karak governorate.
Terrorist act by extremists
Authorities have described the shooting as a terrorist act carried out by extremists. Interior Minister Mazin Al Farrayeh stated that while the attack was driven by extremism, it is currently too early to determine if the perpetrators have links to known groups inside or outside the country. Prime Minister Jafar Hassan condemned the violence on social media, calling it a product of terrorist ideology and blind extremism.
Security footage shows attackers
Security camera footage aired by state television showed three individuals firing shots from a pavement before hiding behind trees and a low wall. The video further captured the attackers running toward the church entrance. Witnesses described a scene of intense panic and indiscriminate gunfire during the several minutes the shooting lasted.
King Abdullah vows harsh retaliation
King Abdullah visited Karak shortly after the incident to visit victims at a military hospital. He vowed that the perpetrators would be punished with an iron fist, stating that those attempting to divide Jordanians through violence would fail in the face of national unity. Following the attack, security has been increased at malls, foreign embassies, and other key locations across the country.
