Jordanian security forces arrested three suspects early Monday, October 26, following a gun battle in southern Jordan, three days after an attack on a Greek Orthodox church left nine people dead and dozens wounded during a funeral service.
The suspects were discovered hiding in an abandoned house in the village of Al-Jadeeda, in Karak governorate, approximately two miles from St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church in Hamoud, where the shooting occurred Friday. The three men refused to surrender and opened fire on security forces, triggering a confrontation that lasted approximately three hours. All three suspects were seriously wounded and taken into custody, while no members of the security forces were injured.
Authorities recovered firearms and ammunition from the building. One suspect was reportedly in critical condition following the operation.
Deadly shooting during funeral service at Greek Orthodox Church
The attack occurred Friday, October 23, when gunmen opened fire on worshippers attending a funeral at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church in Hamoud, approximately 75 miles southwest of Amman.
Nine people were killed and more than 30 others wounded, according to Jordanian authorities. Some reports placed the number of injured at 40.
Surveillance footage verified by ABC News showed at least three armed men arriving at the church entrance before opening fire. Witnesses also reported the possible involvement of a fourth person who drove the attackers to the scene. The shooting prompted nationwide condemnation and three days of national mourning, with flags flown at half-staff.
King Abdullah II visited wounded victims in Karak and pledged severe punishment for those responsible. Thousands attended funeral ceremonies for the victims Sunday, amid a heavy security presence.
The attack targeted one of Jordan’s established Christian communities. Christians represent approximately 3% of the country’s population, with a significant concentration in Karak and surrounding villages.
Jordanian Authorities investigate motives and possible accomplices
Jordanian Interior Minister Mazen al-Faraya confirmed Monday that the three arrested suspects were Jordanian nationals. He said authorities had identified them shortly after the attack and tracked their movements until their arrest.
Investigators are examining the circumstances that led the suspects toward extremism and whether other individuals assisted in planning or carrying out the shooting.
In a significant development, al-Faraya said there were currently no indications that the three suspects maintained connections with outside organizations or foreign parties. No militant organization has claimed responsibility for the attack, and authorities have not established links between the suspects and any particular extremist group.
Jordanian officials also announced a review of security procedures following the shooting. According to Al Jazeera, 27 injured people remained hospitalized Monday, including one patient in critical condition following surgery.
King Abdullah said the authorities would respond firmly to those seeking to undermine national unity, while the Interior Ministry pledged to investigate any additional involvement in the attack.
The suspects’ identities have not been publicly disclosed, and authorities have not announced when formal judicial proceedings will begin.
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