Jordan Declares Three Days of Mourning Following Deadly Church Attack
Jordan declared three days of mourning after eight people were killed in a terrorist attack on a Greek Orthodox church in Karak. King Abdullah vowed a severe response as security forces search for the perpetrators.
Jordan has declared three days of national mourning following a deadly terrorist attack at a Greek Orthodox church in the Karak Governorate, located in the central part of the kingdom. Authorities announced on Saturday that a critically wounded victim succumbed to her injuries, raising the death toll to eight people. Throughout the mourning period, the Jordanian flag will be flown at half-mast. King Abdullah visited hospitals in Karak on Friday evening to meet with dozens of the wounded and their families.
The attack took place on Friday when a vehicle carrying a cell stopped near the church during a funeral procession. Three armed assailants emerged from the vehicle and opened fire on the attendees, continuing the onslaught for approximately ten minutes. In addition to the eight fatalities, 28 people sustained injuries and were evacuated to hospitals for medical treatment. Among the wounded was former Jordanian parliament member Ayman al-Madanat. Speaking to local media, he stated, "The fact that both Muslims and Christians were targeted outside the church carries a message to the world regarding the brotherhood and coexistence between Jordanians. This crime will not undermine Jordanian unity, but will instead strengthen their determination to preserve this brotherhood."
King Abdullah vowed a severe response, stating that the nation will confront the terrorist assault with the harshest penalties. "Whoever thought that treacherous bullets could divide the ranks of Jordanians will fail in the face of our unity. All Jordanians are partners in this land, and no act of treason will succeed in dividing them," the monarch declared. Leaders and governments across the Arab world, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Syria, Lebanon, and Qatar, issued statements over the weekend strongly condemning the atrocity.
Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem also denounced the assault, calling it a despicable and cowardly act that claimed the lives of innocent worshippers during a sacred time of prayer. Jordanian security forces have deployed heavily across the Karak Governorate, setting up numerous checkpoints as the manhunt for the perpetrators continues.
