Jordanian security forces have arrested three suspects in connection with a deadly shooting at a Greek Orthodox church that killed nine people and injured 40 others during a funeral in the southern part of the country.
The arrests were announced on Monday, October 26, following a shootout between security forces and the suspects, who were reportedly hiding in an abandoned house in Karak governorate, approximately 120 kilometres southwest of the capital, Amman.
Jordan’s Public Security Directorate said the suspects refused to surrender and opened fire on security personnel, who returned fire and arrested all three after wounding them.
No security personnel were injured during the operation, while firearms and ammunition were reportedly recovered from the scene.
The attack occurred on Friday, October 23, when gunmen opened fire during a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in Hamoud village, sending mourners fleeing for safety.
The shooting shocked Jordan, where attacks of this nature are relatively uncommon.
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GOVERNMENT CONDEMNS ATTACK
Jordanian authorities have described the shooting as an act of extremist terrorism, although no armed group has claimed responsibility.
The Public Security Directorate said the suspects had been apprehended following a shootout with security forces.
“Terrorism has no place among us,” the directorate said, adding that the suspects had met their “just fate”.
Interior Minister Mazen al-Faraya also said the government is investigating the circumstances that might have contributed to the suspects’ radicalisation.
He also pledged that anyone found to have participated in the attack would be held accountable.
The arrests represent a significant development in the investigation, although questions remain about the motive behind the shooting and whether other individuals were involved.
Although the three arrests mark progress in the investigation, authorities are yet to disclose the suspects’ identities publicly or establish whether the attack was connected to a wider extremist network.
Investigators are expected to examine the weapons recovered during the operation and gather further evidence to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The incident has also renewed attention on efforts to prevent radicalisation and protect religious communities from targeted violence.
As the investigation continues, the government faces pressure to establish the motive behind the attack, strengthen public confidence in security measures and ensure that those responsible are brought before the courts.
