Death toll in Jordan church attack rises to 9

Nine people were killed and more than two dozen injured when gunmen stormed a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, Jordan, during a funeral on Friday, according to authorities. The attack, which officials have described as an act of terrorism, has prompted national mourning and a vow from King Abdullah II to respond with the harshest penalties.

The shooting took place at a church about 55 miles south of the capital, Amman. Jordanian Health Minister Ibrahim al-Budour said on Saturday that one critically injured patient remained hospitalized at Prince Ali Military Hospital in unstable condition. Government spokesperson Mohammad Momani said the attackers subscribed to what he called an «extremist takfiri ideology,» a belief that brands people who reject a strict interpretation of Islam as apostates or nonbelievers. Terrorist groups such as ISIS have invoked takfiri beliefs to justify killing Muslims, Christians and Jews.

Karak is home to a sizable Christian minority, and Momani sought to stress that Christians are «part of Jordan's national fabric.» It remains unclear whether the gunmen were affiliated with any terror group, and Jordanian authorities have not announced any arrests in connection with the attack. As of Saturday, officials had not confirmed how many attackers took part.

Footage broadcast on Jordanian state television showed two gunmen armed with what appeared to be pistols approaching the church and opening fire, the Associated Press reported. A third man carrying what appeared to be a semiautomatic rifle joined them moments later, and all three rushed toward the church. Photos and videos from the scene show broken glass and pools of blood inside the building. After police secured the location, two bodies covered with blankets were visible outside the church.

Dorgham Halasa told the AP that intense gunfire erupted inside the church about 15 minutes after the funeral service began, and that people began running. He said he did not see the gunmen himself, but others he spoke with reported seeing at least four of them. Those accounts have not been confirmed by authorities.

King Abdullah II said Jordan would «confront the terrorist act that targeted Karak with the harshest penalties.» He added: «Whoever imagines that the bullets of treachery can divide the ranks of Jordanians will fail in his endeavor before our steadfastness and unity.» He also extended his condolences to the families of those killed and his wishes for recovery to the wounded. Jordan announced three days of national mourning following the attack, according to the state-run Petra News Agency.

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Derek Weston

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Derek Weston covers public affairs, politics, business, culture and daily news for Core Memo. The role focuses on verification, context, and clear explanations for readers.

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