7 Killed, at Least 40 Injured in Terror Attack on Jordan Church
By The Media Line Staff
Seven people were killed and at least 40 others injured when attackers opened fire inside a church in Hmoud, in Jordan’s Karak governorate, on Friday, prompting authorities to launch a search for the perpetrators.
The attackers reportedly arrived by car, entered the church and began firing before fleeing. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Jordanian state television broadcast footage showing two men who appeared to be carrying pistols approaching the church and firing. A third man, apparently armed with a semiautomatic rifle, then approached and opened fire before all three ran toward the church.
People inside scrambled for cover, with some hiding beneath pews and others moving away from windows, according to witnesses. Prayers and screams could be heard as some people tried to escape. Video recorded by witnesses showed shattered glass and pools of blood on the church floor.
Interior Minister Mazen al-Faraya said at a news conference that authorities were working to apprehend the perpetrators, whom he described as a “group of extremists.”
A government statement said the attack was “carried out by unknown assailants,” without saying whether any of the gunmen had been captured or killed.
“Investigations are underway at full speed,” the statement said.
King Abdullah II said authorities would “confront the terrorist act that targeted Karak with the harshest penalties.” Security measures were tightened ahead of the king’s visit to see those injured in the attack.
Prime Minister Jafar Hassan said during a security meeting in Karak on Friday evening that terrorist ideology and blind extremism were behind the attack. He said the assailants would be punished and that legal measures would be taken against those seeking to introduce extremism.
Jordan declared three days of national mourning, according to the kingdom’s Petra News Agency.
Karak has a sizeable Christian community in majority-Muslim Jordan. Such violence is rare in the country, although deadly attacks have occurred in the past.
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