Jordan’s King Abdullah orders firm response after deadly church attack

What the report says

Jordan’s King Abdullah has ordered security forces to respond firmly and pursue those responsible for a deadly attack on a Greek Orthodox church in Karak governorate, according to Al Jazeera, citing the royal court. The assault took place on Friday during a funeral in the village of Hamoud, about 120km southwest of Amman, and left eight people dead and 40 wounded. Authorities described it as an extremist attack, while no group had claimed responsibility as of publication.

Al Jazeera reported that Jordanian officials remained in search of the attackers and said it was too early to determine whether they had links to known groups inside or outside the country. Security was increased around malls, embassies and other sites, and the kingdom declared three days of national mourning. King Abdullah visited the area hours after the shooting and promised punishment for those involved, while Prime Minister Jafar Hassan condemned what he called terrorist ideology and blind extremism.

The report said Jordan rarely sees attacks of this kind, although officials have said in the past that they have disrupted plots by violent groups. The church is in an area with a Christian minority, and Jordan is also home to sites that attract Christian pilgrims. Survivors and local officials described the scene as chaotic and deeply violent, underscoring concern about the impact on community security and religious sites.