Seven Killed as Gunmen Open Fire During Funeral at Church in Jordan

At least seven people have been killed and 10 others injured after gunmen opened fire at a church in southern Jordan during a funeral gathering, according to reports by state-owned broadcaster Al-Mamlaka and other media outlets.

The shooting occurred on Friday, October 23, at Hamoud Church in the Karak governorate, south of the capital, Amman. Jordan’s Public Security Directorate confirmed that unidentified gunmen had opened fire inside a church, resulting in deaths and injuries.

According to witnesses cited by local media, two armed men got out of a vehicle and began shooting at people gathered for the funeral. A witness told Reuters that the attackers, one reportedly carrying a rifle and the other a pistol, fired for several minutes at mourners.

Security forces were deployed to the scene and launched an operation to track down the suspects. Authorities had not publicly identified the gunmen or established their motive as of the latest reports.

Government spokesman Mohammad al-Momani said security agencies were investigating the incident. Officials urged the public to rely on information from official sources while investigations continued.

The attack has drawn attention because serious shootings of this kind are relatively uncommon in Jordan, which has generally maintained greater domestic stability than several countries in the surrounding region.

Karak, located approximately 180 kilometres south of Amman, has a Christian minority population. Jordan is also home to important Christian religious and historical sites that attract pilgrims and visitors from around the world.

The latest incident has raised concerns about security at places of worship and public gatherings. However, authorities have not announced evidence establishing whether the shooting was religiously motivated or connected to any militant organisation.

The investigation remains ongoing, with security forces continuing efforts to locate those responsible. Further information about the victims and the circumstances surrounding the attack is expected as authorities release verified deI’mtails.