Seven Killed in Church Shooting During Funeral in Karak, Jordan
A tragic shooting at a funeral in Karak, Jordan, left seven dead and 40 injured, prompting national mourning.
Gunmen opened fire during a funeral at a church in Karak, killing seven and injuring 40.
Jordan's government announced three days of mourning and condemned the attack as terrorism.
Regional leaders and the UN Secretary-General expressed solidarity and condemned the violence.
A tragic incident unfolded in Karak, Jordan, on Friday when gunmen opened fire during a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church, resulting in the deaths of at least seven individuals and injuring 40 others. The attack occurred approximately 180 kilometers south of the capital, Amman, and has shocked the local community and the nation at large.
The Jordanian government has labeled the attackers as unknown assailants and confirmed that investigations are underway. However, they have not disclosed whether any suspects have been apprehended. Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene as gunfire erupted about 15 minutes into the funeral service, leading to panic among mourners. Videos captured by attendees revealed shattered glass and blood-stained floors, painting a grim picture of the violence that unfolded.
Health Minister Ibrahim al-Budour reported that two of the injured are in critical condition. In response to the tragedy, King Abdullah II condemned the attack on social media, promising a strong response and offering condolences to the families of the victims. He emphasized that Jordan would confront this act of terrorism with severe repercussions. Prime Minister Jafar Hassan echoed these sentiments, attributing the attack to extremist ideologies and vowing that those responsible would face justice.
The shooting has drawn widespread condemnation from regional leaders, including those from Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, and Oman. Ahmed al-Tayeb, the grand imam of Al-Azhar, referred to the incident as a “heinous terrorist attack” and extended condolences to the victims' families. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein also expressed solidarity with Jordan, affirming Iraq's support in the fight against terrorism. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the violence, highlighting the particularly heinous nature of attacking individuals during a funeral.
Karak has a history of violence, having experienced deadly attacks in the past, including a significant incident in 2016 where gunmen ambushed police, resulting in multiple casualties. As the investigation continues, the Jordanian community is left to mourn and reflect on the implications of this tragic event, with national mourning declared for three days in honor of the victims.
