Gunmen opened fire during a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in the village of Hamoud in Jordan’s Karak Governorate, killing seven people and wounding more than thirty others.
Footage broadcast on Jordanian state television showed armed individuals approaching the church and opening fire. The attack targeted mourners gathered for the funeral procession. Both the gunmen fled the scene according to initial reports.
Jordan’s Public Security Directorate and state media confirmed the casualty figures. The kingdom declared three days of national mourning. King Abdullah stated that the terrorist attack against Karak would be met with the harshest retaliation.
The interior minister described the perpetrators as a group of extremists. The attack stood out in a country that has generally experienced lower levels of such violence compared with some neighbors. The targeting of a Christian community gathering during a funeral added to the gravity of the incident.
Security forces launched an immediate manhunt. The remote character of parts of Karak Governorate presented challenges for rapid containment. Officials emphasized that the response would be firm and comprehensive.
The Greek Orthodox community and other Christian groups in Jordan expressed shock and grief. Religious leaders called for unity and calm while demanding justice. The government moved to reassure minority communities of their protection.
International reactions included condemnations from regional and Western governments. The attack was viewed as an assault on both national security and intercommunal coexistence in Jordan.
Medical facilities in the area treated the wounded, some of whom were in serious condition. The precise number of injuries varied slightly across early reports but remained in the range of thirty to forty.
Jordanian authorities maintained heightened security measures in the governorate and at other potential soft targets. The investigation focused on identifying the gunmen, any supporting network, and the ideological motivation behind the assault.
The declaration of national mourning reflected the seriousness with which the leadership viewed the attack. Public statements from the palace and government underscored determination to prevent any recurrence and to hold those responsible fully accountable.
