8 Dead, 40 Wounded After Gunmen Storm Church in Karak

King Abdullah directed national security units to pursue the suspects behind a deadly shooting at a place of worship in the Karak region. The royal court confirmed that the monarch instructed forces to act decisively and locate those involved. The incident resulted in eight fatalities and left forty individuals injured.

The violence occurred on Friday when armed men opened fire during a funeral service at a Greek Orthodox church. Located approximately 120 kilometers southwest of Amman, the site was targeted in broad daylight. Gunfire continued for several minutes before the attackers withdrew. Jordanian authorities have classified the incident as an act of extremist terrorism, though no organization has officially claimed responsibility at this time.

Following the event, the nation entered a period of three days of mourning. The state-run Petra News Agency reported that officials are currently evaluating whether the perpetrators have connections to known domestic or foreign groups. The US embassy in Amman noted that security measures have been intensified at shopping centers, diplomatic missions, and other key locations across the country. Police are still actively searching for the remaining suspects.

King Abdullah traveled to Karak shortly after the shooting took place. He pledged that the responsible parties would be dealt with firmly. Prime Minister Jafar Hassan addressed the public on the social platform X, describing the event as the outcome of a specific ideological drive. He stated, "We will not allow society to go down this path," adding that the attack reflected blind extremism.

Survivors provided detailed accounts of the chaos. Nasser al-Burqan, a lawyer who was present, told Reuters that an assailant stood about two meters away and fired a handgun at him. His son, who was also attending the service, was shot in the leg and is currently receiving medical care. Al-Burqan later observed two attackers through a window, noting that one wore a mask while the other carried a handgun.

In the aftermath, local figures expressed their grief and determination. Tarek Ammarin, whose relative was treated at a nearby hospital, described the scene as a massacre in the truest sense. Bahjat al-Rushda, the mayor of Shihan village, called the event wicked and expressed hope for the country's continued safety. While such incidents are uncommon in Jordan, officials have noted that they have disrupted multiple plots by strict Islamic groups in recent years. The region holds significant religious importance due to its biblical sites and small Christian community.

Security patrols remain visible outside the church and surrounding areas. The investigation continues as the government works to restore a sense of normalcy while maintaining a heightened state of alert.