Gunmen Kill 9 at Jordanian Church During Funeral

Gunmen stormed a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, Jordan, during a funeral service on Friday, killing nine people and injuring more than two dozen, according to authorities.

The attack occurred at the church in Karak, a city approximately 55 miles south of the capital, Amman. One critically injured patient remained hospitalized in unstable condition as of Saturday, reported Jordan's Health Minister Ibrahim al-Budour.

Government spokesperson Mohammad Momani stated that the attackers subscribed to "extremist takfiri ideology," a belief system that brands individuals who reject a strict interpretation of Islam as apostates or nonbelievers. Such extremist groups, including ISIS, have used takfiri beliefs to justify violence against Muslims, Christians, and Jews.

It remains unclear if the gunmen were formally affiliated with any terrorist organization, and no arrests have been announced by Jordanian authorities.

Footage broadcast on Jordanian state television appeared to show at least three individuals approaching the church and opening fire with pistols and what seemed to be a semiautomatic rifle before rushing inside. Witnesses described hearing intense gunfire shortly after the funeral service began, prompting panic.

Photos and videos from the scene depicted broken glass and bloodstains inside the church. After security forces secured the location, two bodies were observed covered by blankets outside.

Karak is known to have a significant Christian minority, and Momani emphasized that Christians are "part of Jordan's national fabric."

King Abdullah II condemned the attack, vowing that Jordan would "confront the terrorist act that targeted Karak with the harshest penalties." He added that "whoever imagines that the bullets of treachery can divide the ranks of Jordanians will fail in his endeavor before our steadfastness and unity." Jordan announced three days of national mourning following the incident.