7 Killed in Jordan Church Shooting During Funeral
A terrorist attack at a Jordanian church during a funeral killed at least seven people, sparking international condemnation.
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At least seven people were killed and 34 others wounded in a terrorist attack at a Greek Orthodox church in southern Jordan, according to the country’s interior ministry. The attack, which occurred during a funeral, was described as a ‘heinous’ act by Jordanian officials and condemned by international leaders.
Attack Details and Eyewitness Accounts
The attack took place at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church in the al-Karak governorate. Eyewitnesses told Jordanian state media that a vehicle delivered the attackers to the scene, where they fired continuously for five minutes before fleeing. Security camera footage showed three individuals firing from behind trees and a low wall, according to local reports.
International Condemnation and Reactions
King Abdullah II of Jordan denounced the attack as a ‘terrorist act’ on social media, vowing the ‘harshest retaliation.’ He emphasized that Jordanians are united against terrorism, stating, ‘Nothing stands between us.’ The attack was also condemned by the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Palestinian Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh.
Religious and Cultural Significance
Karak is home to a long-standing Christian community, which forms part of Jordan’s religious and cultural heritage. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemned the attack as ‘vile, cowardly, and bloody,’ expressing confidence in Jordan’s security services bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Historical Context and Previous Attacks
Mass-casualty terrorist attacks are rare in Jordan, but the country has faced similar incidents. In 2016, an Islamic State attack at a historic castle in Karak killed ten people, including a Canadian tourist. The current attack has raised concerns about the security of religious sites in the region.
Statements from International Bodies
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) called the attack an ‘act of pure hatred,’ highlighting the assault on human dignity and the right to worship. Nadine Maenza of the ADL’s Task Force on Middle East Minorities expressed solidarity with the victims and called for unity against terrorism.
Source: Breitbart
