Jordan Captures Three Suspects

Jordanian security forces detained three suspects on Monday morning in connection with the deadly attack on a Greek Orthodox church in Karak governorate.

Interior Minister Mazin al-Farrayeh confirmed the men are Jordanian nationals. They hid in an abandoned house in the village of al-Jadeeda, located six minutes from the crime scene in Hamoud. When officers arrived, the suspects refused to surrender and opened fire. A government source told Al Jazeera the exchange of gunfire lasted approximately three hours before police subdued the men.

A senior security official stated the three suspects belong to the same family, including two brothers. Authorities found no links to external groups. Al-Farrayeh noted the men put up fierce resistance. One suspect sustained critical injuries. State news agency Petra reported that officials recovered firearms and ammunition from the hideout. The ministry said police raided several locations to surround the men.

Armed men stormed St George's Church in Hamoud during a funeral procession on Friday. The assault killed eight people and wounded 34 others. Footage from security cameras and Al-Mamlaka TV shows three individuals shooting outside the building and firing on men attempting to flee. Al-Farrayeh described the attackers as extremists with no relationship to humanity. He stated the investigation continues and that everyone involved will face justice.

King Abdullah II ordered security forces to respond with an iron fist to the attack on the Christian minority. Speaking at a National Security Council meeting on Saturday, the King called the safety of Jordanians a red line. He said the hand of justice will reach every terrorist. Prime Minister Jafar Hassan declared three days of national mourning starting Friday. Flags flew at half-mast over government institutions.

The eight victims were buried in Karak on Sunday. A large crowd gathered for the funeral under heavy security. Coffins draped in Jordanian flags were carried through the mourners. Christians make up between two and three percent of Jordan's population. Among the victims was Mohammad al-Qasous. Al-Farrayeh posted on X that officials are examining why young people turn to extremism. He urged citizens to stay calm and said the tragedy will lead to practical measures to protect civilians.