Jordan has tightened security around shopping centres, foreign embassies and other public locations following a deadly shooting at a Greek Orthodox church in the southern governorate of Karak that left eight people dead and dozens injured, according to later reports.
The attack occurred during a funeral gathering on Friday, October 23, when gunmen reportedly opened fire on mourners, triggering panic among people attending the ceremony.
Authorities continued investigating the incident on Saturday, October 24, as security agencies searched for the perpetrators and examined possible links to extremist groups.
The shooting has raised concerns about the security of religious gatherings in a country generally regarded as relatively stable compared with some of its neighbours.
KING VOWS TOUGH ACTION AGAINST ATTACKERS
King Abdullah II vowed that those responsible for the killings would be dealt with “with an iron fist”, signalling a tough response to the attack.
The monarch’s position came as Jordanian authorities stepped up security measures and continued efforts to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
Prime Minister Jafar Hassan also condemned the violence, attributing it to extremist ideology and warning against attempts to undermine the country’s social cohesion.
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“This is a result of a terrorist ideology and blind extremism and we will not allow society to go down this path,” Hassan said in a post on X.
The government has pledged to bring those responsible to justice as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
SECURITY MEASURES INTENSIFIED
Security agencies have increased their presence around sensitive locations, including shopping centres and foreign diplomatic missions, amid concerns about possible further violence.
The attack reportedly took place during a funeral, turning a gathering intended to honour the dead into a scene of panic and bloodshed.
Authorities are investigating the identities and possible affiliations of the attackers. However, the precise motive and any connections to established militant organisations had not been conclusively established in the initial reports.
The incident has also raised questions about the protection of religious communities and public gatherings, particularly in areas with a history of security challenges.
