Jordan’s King Abdullah orders firm response after deadly church attack

The attack occurred on Friday during a funeral at St George's Greek Orthodox church in Karak governorate, about 120km southwest of the capital Amman. Jordanian authorities described it as an "act of extremist terrorism" as the country declared three days of national mourning. Security has been increased across malls, foreign embassies and other locations nationwide.

Search for attackers

Authorities continue searching for the perpetrators, noting it is too early to determine if they had ties to known groups. Video footage showed police patrolling outside the church on Saturday, with the church grounds cordoned off.

Survivor account

Nasser al-Burqan, a lawyer and survivor, described how one attacker pointed a handgun at him from about two meters away and opened fire. His son later called to say he had been shot in the leg and was being treated in hospital.

King Abdullah visited Karak hours after the attack and vowed the perpetrators would be punished "with an iron fist." Prime Minister Jafar Hassan condemned the attack as "a result of a terrorist ideology and blind extremism," adding "We will not allow society to go down this path."

Rare attack in Jordan

Such attacks are rare in Jordan, though authorities say they have repeatedly foiled plots by violent groups motivated by a strict interpretation of Islam in recent years. Karak is home to a minority Christian population, and the country contains several biblical sites that attract Christian pilgrims worldwide.

Bahjat al-Rushda, mayor of Shihan village in Karak, condemned what he called a "wicked" attack, saying "God willing, this country will remain safe." The investigation continues as Jordan maintains its status as a US partner in the fight against violent armed groups in the region.