Gunmen open fire at church funeral in Jordan, killing at least six

Summarised from 6 outlets · 7 reports · Updated 23 Oct, 15:16 · Archive

At least six people were killed and dozens wounded when gunmen opened fire during a funeral at a church in southern Jordan on Friday.

Two gunmen opened fire during a funeral at the Hammoud Greek Orthodox church in Karak governorate, southern Jordan, on Friday. Initial reports from some outlets said seven people were killed, but Jordan's Public Security Directorate later confirmed at least six deaths. The number of wounded varies in reports: some outlets cite 10 injured, others state 28 were wounded.

The attackers arrived in a vehicle and began shooting as dozens of people attended the funeral procession. One witness, Khaled Burqan, told Jordanian state broadcaster Al-Mamlaka that he heard an explosion when the procession started. He said the two masked gunmen then broke into the church and began firing, with one carrying a pistol and the other a rifle. According to one witness account, the gunmen fired for several minutes at mourners.

Security forces were deployed to the scene immediately. Jordan's government spokesman Mohammad al-Momani said security forces are investigating the shooting. The unidentified gunmen fled the scene and remain at large, with authorities pursuing two suspects.

No organisation has claimed responsibility for the attack. The attackers' identities and motives remain unclear. Al Jazeera reports that authorities have not yet established who was responsible.

Such armed attacks are extremely rare in Jordan. Although the country is predominantly Muslim with a population of around 11.5 million, it is home to a Christian minority of roughly 300,000 people. The Karak region, located about 120 to 180 kilometres south of the capital Amman, has a significant Christian population and is known for interfaith coexistence.

Jordan has experienced armed attacks in the past. In 2016, militants from the Islamic State group attacked a Crusader-era castle in Karak, killing 10 people including security officers and a Canadian tourist. Jordanian security forces killed the attackers in that incident.

GB News reports that Prime Minister Jafar Hassan will chair a meeting at the Karak Governorate building to oversee the response to what officials have described as a 'terrorist crime'. The country's Minister of Interior, Minister of Government Communication and Director of Public Security scheduled a press conference for the evening of the attack.

How it is being reported

• At least six people shot dead and 28 injured at church in Jordan as police hunt for two gunmenAt least six people have been killed and a further 28 injured after two gunmen opened fire at a funeral church in Jordan, it has been reported. State media claim the gunmen got out of a vehicle and opened fire during a funeral procession at the Hammoud church in Karak. Jordan’s government spokesperson Mohammad Al-Momani wrote on X: "Security forces are following up on an incident of gunfire in Karak Governorate." He added: " We call on everyone to give space to the security forces to take the necessary measures and to obtain information from its official sources." TRENDING Stories Videos…GB News · 23 Oct, 14:55
• Jordan: Karak church shooting leaves 6 dead, dozens injuredThe shooting at a Greek Orthodox church in southern Jordan happened during a funeral, according to local authorities. Two unidentified men opened fire on the procession.DW News · 23 Oct, 14:50
• Gunmen kill at least 7 in attack on Jordan church, authorities sayAuthorities in Jordan say gunmen opened fire inside a church in Jordan.CBS News · 23 Oct, 14:39
• Gunmen open fire at church in Jordan, killing several peopleSurvivors say two masked gunmen began shooting as dozens attended a funeral procession.Al Jazeera · 23 Oct, 14:32
• Jordan: Karak church shooting leaves 7 deadThe shooting at a Greek Orthodox church in southern Jordan happened during a funeral, according to local authorities. Two unidentified men opened fire on the procession.DW News · 23 Oct, 14:07
• At least seven dead after shooting at church in Jordan - reportsAt least seven people have been killed after gunmen opened fire during a funeral a church in Jordan, reports say.Sky News · 23 Oct, 13:57
• Seven shot dead by gunmen at church funeral in Jordan, state media sayAnother 10 people are injured in the southern Karak governorate, and a manhunt is now under way.BBC News · 23 Oct, 13:55

In this story: Jordan · Karak · Hammoud Church · Mohammad al-Momani · Khaled Burqan · Jafar Hassan

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem