Jordan detains three armed men linked to Karak church shooting

Jordanian authorities detained three armed suspects on Monday after a days-long search for the gunmen who attacked a church funeral in Karak governorate. State media reported that the suspects were found hiding in an abandoned house in the village of Al-Jadeeda. The Public Security Directorate said the men refused to surrender and engaged security forces in a firefight. All three were taken into custody after sustaining wounds.

A government source indicated that the suspects suffered serious injuries during the approximately three-hour exchange of gunfire. One suspect is currently in critical condition. Petra News Agency reported that no security personnel were injured during the operation. Investigators recovered firearms and live ammunition at the scene. The directorate stated that the suspects met their just fate but did not specify a particular group affiliation for the trio.

The incident occurred on Friday when three gunmen opened fire during a funeral service at a Greek Orthodox church in the village of Hamoud. The village is located approximately 120 kilometers southwest of the capital, Amman. The Ministry of Health announced that eight people died and 40 were wounded in the attack. As of Monday, 27 of the injured remained hospitalized. The director of Prince Ali Military Hospital in Karak confirmed that one patient was still in critical condition following surgery.

Government Communication Minister Mohammad Momani described the capture as a successful joint effort in a post on X. He confirmed that the three men were wounded and detained after refusing to give themselves up. King Abdullah II offered condolences to the families of the victims and stated that those responsible would face the harshest penalties. The monarch also ordered a review of national security procedures for responding to attacks.

Karak is a hub for Jordan's Christian minority, which comprises approximately 300,000 individuals in a population of 11.5 million. Interior Minister Mazen al-Faraya said authorities are examining the circumstances that lead young people to embrace violence. He added that anyone found to have participated in the attack would be held accountable. The security forces continue to process the detained suspects as part of the ongoing investigation.

The capture marks the end of the initial search phase for the attackers. The three suspects are now in custody while medical teams treat their injuries. The hospital in Karak continues to monitor the remaining wounded patients. The government has not announced a specific timeline for the release of the suspects or the conclusion of the judicial proceedings.