150 Mourners Targeted as Extremists Gun Down Seven at Jordan Church

Seven people died when gunmen opened fire on a funeral in southern Jordan on Friday.

The attack occurred at the Greek Orthodox church in the village of Hammoud, located in Karak governorate. Interior Minister Mazen Al-Faraya stated that 34 others were wounded. He attributed the violence to a group of extremists. The public security directorate reported that the assailants exited a vehicle and stormed the church compound during the funeral procession.

Footage from the state broadcaster Al-Mamlaka showed two gunmen in casual clothing holding pistols and a third carrying a long gun. They fired from a street entrance before advancing into the building. An eyewitness described the attackers firing without pause for five minutes before escaping in their vehicle. The witness estimated that 150 to 200 people were in and around the church. Most of the victims were between 50 and 70 years old.

Karak lies 110 miles south of the capital, Amman, and maintains a large Christian population. Minister of Government Communications Mohammed Al-Momani confirmed that security forces are investigating the incident. A manhunt for the perpetrators is underway. King Abdullah II pledged to strike with an iron fist against those who threaten the nation. He stated on social media that every Jordanian life is precious.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the shooting as a heinous terrorist attack. A presidency statement noted his view that the attack aims to strike at coexistence and spread strife. Aoun is the only Christian head of state in the Arab world. The region has experienced deadly violence in the past. In 2016, gunmen ambushed police in the area, including at a Crusader castle. Ten people were killed in those attacks, seven of them officers.

Authorities are continuing to search for the attackers. The government has not yet released a final timeline for the investigation. The church remains a focal point for the community as security forces secure the site.