Gunmen Attack Church in Jordan During Funeral, Resulting in Nine Deaths

A tragic incident unfolded in Jordan on Friday during a funeral service at a Christian church. Gunmen stormed into a Greek Orthodox church in Karak and opened fire, killing nine people and injuring more than two dozen, authorities reported.

Karak, located approximately 55 miles south of Jordan’s capital, Amman, is known for its Christian minority community. Jordanian Health Minister Ibrahim al-Budour stated that one of the critically injured victims remains in unstable condition at Prince Ali Military Hospital.

Government spokesperson Mohammad Momani described the attackers as adherents to extremist “takfiri ideology.” This ideology labels those who reject a strict interpretation of Islam as apostates or nonbelievers. Groups like ISIS have used takfiri beliefs to justify violence against Muslims, Christians, and Jews.

After the attack, journalists and others gathered outside the church, which was secured with crime scene tape. The shooting took place in Hamoud village, within Karak governorate. It is currently unclear if the gunmen were connected to any known terrorist organization, and no arrests have been announced.

Footage aired on Jordanian television showed two attackers with pistols and a third with a semiautomatic rifle approaching and firing at the church. Witnesses and security forces described intense gunfire during the event.

Photos and videos captured broken glass and pools of blood inside the church, while authorities secured the location and two bodies were seen covered outside.

Eyewitness Dorgham Halasa recounted that gunfire began approximately 15 minutes after the funeral service commenced, causing attendees to flee.

Jordan’s King Abdullah II vowed to confront the attack with severe consequences and emphasized the unity of Jordanians against such divisive actions.

The country entered a three-day period of national mourning following the tragedy, as announced by the state-run Petra News Agency.