Nine people are dead after gunmen opened fire during a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in southern Jordan, Jordanian officials said. The U.S. Embassy in Amman told Americans in the country to expect more police and to stay alert.
The attack happened Friday, Oct. 23, at St. George’s Church in the village of Hmoud in Karak governorate, about 55 miles south of the capital, Fox News reported. About 40 people were hurt, Townhall reported Sunday. No arrests had been announced.
What Jordanian officials said
Interior Minister Mazen Al-Faraya called it a terrorist attack at a news conference in Karak on Friday night, the state-run Petra news agency reported. The death count was seven that night and rose to nine by Saturday.
- The gunmen: State TV aired security video of three armed men walking toward the church and firing, according to Fox News. Officials have not confirmed how many took part.
- The motive: Government spokesman Mohammad Momani said the attackers followed an extremist takfiri ideology. Officials have not tied them to a known group.
- The injured: Health Minister Ibrahim al-Budour said Saturday that one patient remained in unstable condition at Prince Ali Military Hospital.
- Mourning: Jordan declared three days of national mourning.
King Abdullah II said the country would answer the attack “with the harshest penalties,” according to Fox News. Many Christians live in Karak governorate. Momani called Christians “part of Jordan’s national fabric.”
Guidance for Americans in Jordan
The embassy posted a security alert the day of the attack. It said Jordan had added security at malls, foreign embassies and other sites in Amman.
- Stay aware: Avoid demonstrations, large gatherings and areas with a heavy police presence.
- Use caution: Take care at places linked to the United States and keep a low profile.
- Sign up: Enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for updates.
Contacts
Americans who need help can call the State Department at 1-888-407-4747 from the U.S. or Canada, or +1-202-501-4444 from overseas.
