Death toll rises to 9 in church attack as officials blame 'extremist' Islamist ideology
Gunmen stormed a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, Jordan during a funeral on Friday, killing nine people and injuring more than two dozen, according to authorities.
The attack occurred approximately 55 miles south of Jordan's capital, Amman. Jordanian Health Minister Ibrahim al-Budour reported on Saturday that one critically injured patient remained hospitalized at Prince Ali Military Hospital in unstable condition.
Extremist ideology blamed
Government spokesperson Mohammad Momani stated that the attackers subscribed to "extremist takfiri ideology," which brands people who reject a strict interpretation of Islam as apostates. Terrorist groups such as ISIS have invoked takfiri beliefs to justify killing Muslims, Christians and Jews.
Christians are part of Jordan's national fabric.
Attack details emerge
Footage shown on Jordanian state television revealed two gunmen with pistols approaching the church and opening fire, with a third man carrying what appeared to be a semiautomatic rifle joining them moments later. Witnesses reported broken glass and pools of blood inside the church.
Dorgham Halasa told the AP that intense gunfire erupted about 15 minutes after the funeral service began, causing people to flee. He claimed others reported seeing at least four attackers, though Jordanian authorities had not confirmed this number as of Saturday.
National response
King Abdullah II condemned the attack, stating Jordan will "confront the terrorist act that targeted Karak with the harshest penalties." He emphasized national unity, saying: "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 attack. It remains unclear whether the gunmen were affiliated with any terror group, and Jordanian authorities have not announced any arrests in connection with the incident.
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