Jordanian police detain three wounded men after Karak church shooting

Jordanian security forces captured three armed men on Monday who are suspected of killing eight people during a shooting at a church in Karak governorate. State media reported that the suspects were hiding in an abandoned house in the village of Al-Jadeeda.

The Public Security Directorate stated that the men refused to surrender and opened fire on officers. Forces returned fire and wounded all three suspects before taking them into custody. A government source told Al Jazeera that the fighting lasted approximately three hours and that one suspect is in critical condition. The source described the injuries sustained by the others as serious.

Petra News Agency reported that no security personnel were injured during the operation. Officers found firearms and live ammunition at the scene. The directorate issued a statement saying, "Terrorism has no place among us," and added that the suspects met their "just fate." The statement did not identify a specific group linked to the attack.

Mohammad Momani, the government communication minister, posted on X that the operation was a successful joint effort. He confirmed that the three suspects were detained after refusing to give themselves up.

The initial attack occurred on Friday when three gunmen opened fire at a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in the village of Hamoud. The village is located about 120 kilometers southwest of Amman. The Ministry of Health reported eight deaths and 40 injuries. By Monday, 27 patients remained hospitalized. The director of Prince Ali Military Hospital in Karak said one patient remained in critical condition following surgery.

Karak is home to a large portion of Jordan's Christian minority, which comprises about 300,000 people in a nation of 11.5 million. King Abdullah II offered condolences to the victims' families and stated that those responsible would face the "harshest penalties." He ordered a review of security procedures for responding to attacks. Interior Minister Mazen al-Faraya said authorities are examining why young people embrace violence and that participants in the attack will be held accountable.