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 General Security Director Major General Obaidallah Al-Mayatah at 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, emphasizing that security agencies continue their work to pursue the perpetrators. He said: "This cowardly attack has pierced the hearts of Jordanian families," adding that the incident "will only strengthen the determination of Jordanians to reject violence and extremism and confront terrorism in all its forms."

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

King Abdullah II announced via the X platform that Jordan will respond to "the terrorist act targeting Karak with the harshest penalties," stating: "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 media blackout was imposed by the Public Prosecutor immediately following the attack.