At least seven people have been killed and ten others wounded after gunmen opened fire during a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in the village of Hammoud, located in Jordan’s Karak governorate. The attack took place on Friday as dozens of mourners gathered inside and around the church, according to local authorities and state media.
Security sources told state-owned broadcaster Al-Mamlaka that two unidentified assailants arrived at the church compound in a vehicle, exited, and began shooting at the crowd. Witnesses reported that one attacker was armed with a rifle and the other with a pistol, firing continuously for several minutes before fleeing the scene.
“There were between 150 and 200 people inside and around the church at the time,” a witness told Al-Mamlaka, adding that most of the victims were aged between 50 and 70. Paramedics responded quickly, but several of the wounded remain in critical condition, officials said.
Security forces were immediately deployed to the area and have launched a manhunt for the suspects, who remain at large. The Public Security Directorate confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that authorities are pursuing leads to identify those responsible for the attack.
There has been no immediate claim of responsibility, and Jordanian authorities have not yet commented on the possible motives or identities of the attackers. Such incidents are considered rare in Jordan, a country known for its relative stability in a region often marked by violence.
Karak governorate is home to a significant Christian community within the predominantly Muslim kingdom. The attack has shocked residents and raised concerns about the security of minority communities in the area.
Government spokesman Mohammad al-Momani said that security forces are working to ensure the safety of all citizens and that the investigation will continue until the perpetrators are brought to justice. The incident comes at a time when Jordan has generally avoided the levels of sectarian violence seen elsewhere in the region.
As of today, the identities and motives of the attackers remain unknown, and authorities have urged the public to remain calm while the search continues. Updates are expected as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available.
The image accompanying this article is an AI-generated illustrative depiction inspired by the actual scene of the event.
