7 Killed in Armed Attack on Church in Karak, Jordan

Seven people were killed and twenty-seven wounded in an armed attack targeting a church in the Jordanian city of Karak, according to an announcement by Jordanian Public Security Director Major General Obaidallah Al-Maaitah during a press conference held alongside Interior Minister Mazen Al-Faraya.

Al-Faraya described the attack as a "terrorist act" carried out by an extremist group, stressing that security agencies are continuing their work to pursue the perpetrators. He said: "This cowardly attack broke the hearts of Jordanian families," adding that the incident "will strengthen the determination of Jordanians to reject violence and extremism and confront terrorism in all its forms."

Local media reported that three armed gunmen descended from a vehicle near the church and opened fire indiscriminately, while more than one hundred fifty people were inside and around the church.

King Abdullah II announced via the X platform that Jordan will respond to "the terrorist act that targeted Karak with the harshest penalties," saying: "The bullets of treachery will not divide the ranks of Jordanians," and affirming that Jordanians are united from north to south. He also called on Karak Hospital to seek urgent blood donations to aid the wounded.

A press ban was imposed by the Public Prosecutor's Office immediately following the attack.