Terrorist attack on church in Jordan kills at least seven, injures dozens

At least seven people were killed and 28 injured on Friday after unidentified gunmen opened fire on a funeral at a Greek Orthodox Church in Hmoud, Jordan, government officials said.

Sign In or Create an Account

Jordanian King Abdullah II said that those responsible for the terrorist attack near the city of Karak would meet “the harshest penalties.”

“Whoever imagines that the bullets of treachery can divide the ranks of Jordanians will fail in his endeavour before our steadfastness and unity,” Abdullah stated. “The blood of Jordanians is precious, and we will strike with an iron fist against anyone who attacks this country.”

The assailants reportedly remain at large. The BBC published video footage of the attack that appears to show at least three gunmen opening fire on the church.

Columnist Jesse Kline keeps you up to date with what’s happening in Israel and the effects of antisemitism on life here in Canada. Friday mornings.

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.

The next issue of Channel Israel will soon be in your inbox.

We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again

The Jordanian prime minister declared three days of mourning in response to the attacks and said that flags would fly at half-mast throughout the country.

Christians make up about 2% of the population of Jordan, according to the 2025 edition of the CIA World Factbook.

Mohammad al-Momani, the Jordanian government spokesman, wrote on Friday that Christians are “an authentic and indivisible part of our national fabric” and “partners in Jordan’s history, present and future.”

Terrorist attacks in Jordan are rare. In 2016, ISIS claimed responsibility for an attack on the Crusader fortress in Karak that left 14 people dead, including a Canadian tourist.

Mike Waltz, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, called Friday’s news “devastating.”

“Praying for the victims, their families and all those affected by this depraved and brutal attack on a house of worship,” he wrote. “Attacks on Christians continue to escalate worldwide and must be stopped.”

This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.