A tragic shooting at a Greek Orthodox Church funeral in southern Jordan left six people dead and 28 injured on Friday.
The incident occurred at Hamoud Church in Karak Governorate, located 180 km south of Amman. The Public Security Directorate confirmed the casualties and is currently investigating to find the attackers.
Initial reports varied on the number of victims, but the latest update confirmed six fatalities and 28 injuries, with some victims in critical condition.
Attack During Funeral Service
Witnesses reported that armed individuals in a vehicle opened fire on mourners at the church. One eyewitness recounted that the shooting lasted several minutes before the assailants fled. Many people had gathered at the church when the attack began.
Video footage broadcasted by Jordanian TV showed armed men entering the church grounds and firing before escaping. Emergency services quickly arrived to transport the injured to hospitals.
Search for Attackers Underway
The Public Security Directorate announced that the attackers remain unidentified, and an investigation is ongoing. Security forces have been deployed to the area to locate those responsible. Government spokesman Mohammad al Momani addressed the situation, while Prime Minister Jafar Hassan planned a security meeting in Karak.
As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
King Abdullah Promises Action
King Abdullah has pledged a strong response to the attack, emphasizing that those responsible will face justice. He also called for national unity following this tragic event, which has shocked the nation and drawn condemnation from the government.
Authorities are investigating possible connections to larger extremist networks. Currently, no official motive for the attack on the funeral service has been provided.
Concerns in a Christian Minority Area
Karak is primarily a Muslim city with a small Christian community, and Jordan is generally considered safe for both tourists and residents, despite occasional violence like the 2016 shooting in Karak that resulted in ten deaths, including seven policemen. This latest incident has raised concerns about safety for both locals and visitors.
Funerals, like any large gatherings, can be vulnerable to attacks, especially in places of worship. Authorities continue to investigate while focusing on treating the wounded and ensuring justice is served.
According to the Public Security Directorate, six people have died and 28 have been injured. More information will be released as the investigation progresses.