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At least seven people were killed and 40 others injured after gunmen opened fire during a funeral at a church in Jordan on Friday, authorities said. The attack took place in the southern city of Karak, around 180 kilometres south of the capital, Amman. In 2016, gunmen ambushed police at several locations in the city, including a Crusader castle popular with tourists. The attacks killed 10 people, including seven police officers, and wounded dozens.
Jordan’s government described the attackers as unknown assailants and said investigations were moving ahead at full speed. It did not immediately confirm whether any suspects had been arrested or killed. Footage aired by Jordanian state television showed two men appearing to carry pistols approaching the church and firing shots. A third man, apparently carrying a semi-automatic rifle, then approached and opened fire before all three ran towards the building. He blamed the attack on terrorist ideology and blind extremism, adding that those responsible would be punished and legal action would be taken against people seeking to spread extremism. Karak has witnessed deadly attacks in the past.
Prime Minister Jafar Hassan also addressed the incident during a security meeting in Karak on Friday evening.