At Least Seven Killed as Gunmen Open Fire at Church in Jordan During Funeral
Attack during funeral
Gunmen stormed the compound of a Greek Orthodox church in Hammoud, in Karak governorate, and opened fire during a funeral Friday, the public security directorate said. Jordan’s interior minister reported at least seven deaths.
Karak, which has a significant Christian community, lies 110 miles south of Amman, the capital. Jordan is a Muslim-majority kingdom.
Footage shows gunmen
State broadcaster Al-Mamlaka aired footage showing two gunmen in casual clothes carrying pistols and a third with a long gun. They opened fire on the church from a street entrance and moved forward.
An eyewitness told Al-Mamlaka that a vehicle brought the attackers to the scene. The gunmen fired continuously for five minutes before fleeing, the witness said.
Officials condemn shooting
King Abdullah II vowed the “harshest retaliation” against the attackers. Government Communications Minister Mohammed Al-Momani said security forces were investigating. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called the shooting a “heinous terrorist attack.” In a statement from his presidency, Aoun said terrorism has no religion or homeland and seeks to undermine coexistence and spread strife.
Key points
- At least seven people were killed in the church shooting, Jordan’s interior minister said.
- The attack occurred during a funeral in Hammoud, in southern Jordan.
- King Abdullah II vowed the “harshest retaliation” against the attackers.
- An eyewitness said the gunmen fired for five minutes before fleeing.