Jordan Church Shooting Death Toll Rises to 9

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Following a deadly shooting at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, Jordan, the death toll has risen to nine, with at least 40 others injured, according to local authorities. The attack occurred late last week and has sparked heightened security measures and strong government condemnation.

Attack Details and Security Response

The incident took place on Friday at a church located approximately 55 miles south of Amman. Jordan’s Public Security Directorate confirmed that three suspects were arrested following a dawn shootout, with all three wounded during the operation. Footage from Jordanian state television showed two men armed with handguns opening fire near the church, with a third individual later joining them, holding a semiautomatic rifle, as they rushed toward the building.

Extremist Ideology Under Investigation

While the attack has not been attributed to a specific terror group, government spokesperson Mohammad Momani stated that the gunmen adhered to an “extremist takfiri ideology.” This radical belief system brands anyone who rejects a strict interpretation of Islam as an apostate, a concept used by groups like ISIS to justify violence against religious minorities, including Christians and moderate Muslims.

Religious Demographics in Jordan

According to U.S. government estimates, Muslims, who are predominantly Sunni, make up 97.1% of Jordan’s population, while Christians account for roughly 2.1%. Local church leaders, however, estimate the Christian population ranges from 1.8% to 3%. The attack has intensified calls for greater protection of religious minorities in the country.

Government Response and Vow of Retaliation

King Abdullah II visited Karak hours after the attack and vowed that the state would respond to the perpetrators “with an iron fist.” Prime Minister Jafar Hassan warned that the attack “will be met with the harshest retaliation,” emphasizing that those who attempt to divide Jordanians with violence would face the full force of the nation’s unity.

Medical Updates and Ongoing Investigations

Jordanian Health Minister Ibrahim al-Budour noted that several victims remain in critical condition at Prince Ali Military Hospital. Public Security Directorate officials confirmed that security forces captured the perpetrators after they put up fierce resistance during a tactical operation. The investigation into the attack continues, with authorities seeking to determine the full extent of the perpetrators’ motivations and affiliations.

Source: OANN

Written by

claire.thomson