Three suspects arrested in Jordan after deadly attack on Greek Orthodox church leaves 9 dead, 25 injured. Authorities call it a terrorist act.
Attack on church in Jordan
Three suspects were arrested on Monday, October 26, in Jordan, following a deadly attack on a Greek Orthodox church in the southern part of the country on Friday, October 23. The attack killed nine people and injured 25 others.Arrest details and injuries
Authorities described the attack as terrorist and said the suspects were injured during their arrest in the Karak governorate. The three suspects were captured in an abandoned house in the same region where the church is located, after an armed confrontation with security forces.Attack details and response
According to official reports, the attack was carried out by armed men in the village of Hammoud. The Public Security Directorate stated that the attackers entered the premises of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George before opening fire on a funeral procession. The Jordanian government declared a three-day national mourning period starting on Friday, with flags at half-mast on government and public institutions.Royal visits and condemnation
On Sunday, October 25, Queen Rania of Jordan visited the victims, witnesses, and the injured, hugging many relatives of the deceased. King Abdullah II of Jordan visited the injured at the Karak hospital and condemned the attack as "terrorist," vowing to apply the "harshest penalties" to the attackers.Religious reactions and community context
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemned the attack, calling it a violation of the right to life and freedom of worship. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem stated that the attack would not drive Christians from the region but would instead strengthen their faith. Christians make up about 3% of Jordan’s population, which is nearly 11 million people, predominantly Sunni Muslims.Community and location details
The Karak governorate, where the attack occurred, has about 375,000 inhabitants and is home to a significant Christian community. The region includes several Christian denominations, including Greek Orthodox, Catholics, Protestants, and others.
