Gunmen Kill 7 at Jordanian Church in 'Terrorist Attack'

Gunmen opened fire at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, Jordan, killing at least seven people and injuring 34 during a funeral service. Jordan's King Abdullah II condemned the incident as a "terrorist attack" and vowed a strong response.

The shooting occurred Friday in Karak, approximately 110 miles south of the capital, Amman. The city is known for its minority Christian population. Images broadcast on Jordanian state television appeared to show three gunmen approaching the church and firing shots.

"The terrorist attack against Karak will be met with the harshest retaliation. Those who delude themselves into thinking that they can divide Jordanians with their bullets have no chance in the face of our unity," King Abdullah II wrote on X, formerly Twitter. He added, "All Jordanians, from north to south, are partners in land and fate, and nothing stands between them. Our deepest condolences to the families of the martyrs and we wish a speedy recovery to those injured. Every Jordanian life is precious, and we will strike with an iron fist against those who dare to threaten our nation."

Authorities have not confirmed if any gunmen were captured or killed, but stated that investigations are proceeding rapidly. Of the 34 injured, 27 remained hospitalized, according to Jordanian director of public security Maj. Gen. Obeidallah Maaytah.

This incident echoes a series of attacks in Karak in 2016, when gunmen killed 10 people, including seven police officers, and wounded dozens. Security forces eventually killed those assailants after a prolonged standoff.

Iraq's Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein contacted his Jordanian counterpart to express solidarity with Jordan in confronting terrorism.