Andrea Innocenti Last Friday, an unusual attack hit the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George in Hamoud, a village located in Karak governorate, about 120 kilometers southwest of Amman. The shooting, carried out by gunmen, killed eight people and wounded more than thirty-four, leaving the local Christian community in shock.
Security camera footage shows three armed individuals opening fire on those present, then fleeing toward the church entrance. Witnesses described the atmosphere of terror, with people running for cover as bullets indiscriminately struck the surrounding area.
Details of the attack on Hamoud Church
The operation was classified by authorities as an act of terrorism carried out by "extremists" with no declared ties to organized groups. The funeral, which was underway at the time of the attack, amplified the tragedy, transforming a commemorative ritual into a scene of unprecedented violence in Jordan, where such crimes are rare.
Security forces immediately launched an investigation, collecting weapons and ammunition found in the area. The Public Security Directorate confirmed that no group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, leaving the search for a more specific motive open.
Operation to arrest the three suspects
The following Monday, Interior Minister Mazin al-Farrayeh announced the arrest of three Jordanian citizens believed to be responsible for the attack. The suspects had been identified through a large-scale operation that covered several locations, culminating in a dawn raid in the town of al-Jadeeda, just six minutes from Hamoud.
According to reports, the three attempted to resist the intervention of law enforcement, challenging them with live fire. After approximately three hours of fighting, all three were neutralized and confined, suffering serious injuries, one of which was considered critical. Authorities recovered additional weapons and ammunition from the location where they had taken refuge.
Institutional reactions and measures
King Abdullah II condemned the attack, promising an "iron-fisted" response against anyone who seeks to divide the country. At the National Security Council meeting, he stated that citizens' safety is a "red line" and that justice will be served on every terrorist.
Prime Minister Jafar Hassan declared three days of national mourning, starting Friday, with the national flag flying at midnight on all public buildings. The Ministry of Health confirmed that more than forty people have received medical treatment for various degrees of injuries.
The burials of the eight deceased took place on Sunday in Karak, with their coffins draped in the Jordanian flag, in a ceremony that drew a large crowd and a strong security contingent. Among the victims was the Christian Mohammad al-Qasous.
The case has reignited debate over the vulnerability of religious minorities in Jordan. With Christians representing only 2-3% of the population, the attack has sparked concern both nationally and internationally, prompting institutions to strengthen protection measures for places of worship.
Meanwhile, investigations continue: the Public Security Directorate has stated that it will maintain a high level of vigilance in all potentially radicalized environments, examining the dynamics that pushed young people toward extremism. The authorities' response aims to prevent further similar incidents, ensuring the safety of citizens and respect for interfaith coexistence.