Eight Killed, 40 Injured in Terrorist Attack on Church in Jordan’s Karak Province
Total Views |
New Delhi, October 24: At least eight people were killed and around 40 others injured after unidentified gunmen opened fire on St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church in Jordan’s southern Karak province during a funeral gathering. Jordanian authorities described the incident as a terrorist attack targeting Christians, while King Abdullah vowed a strong response against those responsible.
Christians constitute around 2% of Jordan’s population, and sectarian attacks in the country are rare. The incident has raised concerns over public safety and religious harmony as authorities continue efforts to locate the attackers.
The attack took place in the town of Hmoud, where members of the local Christian community had gathered to mourn the death of a community member. The attackers remain at large, according to the Public Security Directorate.
Witnesses reported that the gunmen opened fire outside the church, targeting people gathered in its courtyard. One witness told state-run Al-Mamlaka television that an attacker was carrying an AK-47 assault rifle and that the shooting continued for several minutes.
Another witness told CNN that mourners took shelter inside the church as gunmen shouted slogans while firing at people. Security camera footage circulating on social media reportedly showed three gunmen opening fire on the street before moving towards the church.
Jordan’s Health Minister Ibrahim al-Budour said two of the injured were in critical condition.King Abdullah condemned the attack and vowed a firm response against those responsible, stressing that the lives of Jordanian citizens would be protected.
Islamic terrorists entered church in Jordan and began slaughtering Christian worshipers in a horrific attack leaving 7 dead and 34 injured.
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) October 24, 2026
One attacker’s gun reportedly jammed, or the death toll could have been much higher.
A manhunt has been launched. https://t.co/MvJm8wtfjV
Prime Minister Jafar Hassan said state agencies were working to bring the perpetrators to justice. According to Jordan’s official news agency Petra, he linked the attack to extremist ideology and warned against attempts to promote religious hatred and division.
Hassan also declared three days of national mourning, with flags to be flown at half-mast on government and public buildings.
The attack drew condemnation from governments and religious institutions across the region. The US Embassy in Jordan expressed condolences to the victims and survivors and advised American citizens to remain cautious amid increased security measures.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemned the violence and highlighted national unity as a safeguard against terrorism and extremism. Egypt’s Al-Azhar Institute and the Iraqi government also denounced the attack.