Jordanian police capture three relatives in Karak village after three-hour gun battle
The suspects, who were hiding in an abandoned house, were injured during the dawn raid that followed the Friday church attack.
By Jessica Abebe ·
Jordanian security forces arrested three family members on Monday after a three-hour gun battle in the village of al-Jadeeda.
The suspects are connected to the attack on St. George’s Church in the nearby village of Hamoud, which occurred on Friday. That incident left eight people dead and 34 others wounded. The church is located in Karak governorate, approximately 120 kilometers southwest of Amman.
Interior Minister Mazin al-Farrayeh announced that the three Jordanians were identified immediately after the church attack. He stated that security services used all available resources to locate them. The suspects were hiding in an abandoned house. The Public Security Directorate reported that the group refused to surrender and opened fire on approaching officers. The shootout resulted in injuries for all three suspects, with one critically wounded. Security forces recovered firearms and ammunition from the hideout.
A senior security official told journalists that the suspects are from a single family and include two brothers. Authorities have not linked them to any external groups. Al-Farrayeh said the suspects put up fierce resistance but were subdued. He noted that investigations are ongoing and that everyone involved in the act will be taken to justice. The Public Security Directorate stated in a statement that the suspects had met their just fate and that terrorism has no place in the country.
King Abdullah II ordered a strong response to the attack on the Christian minority. He met with victims and stated that the security and safety of Jordanians is a red line. He said the hand of justice will reach every terrorist. Prime Minister Jafar Hassan declared three days of national mourning, with flags at half-mast over government buildings.
The attack took place during a funeral procession at St. George’s Church, which is known for its medieval-era castle. Security camera footage showed armed men shooting outside the church and running toward the entrance. Other video showed attackers firing on men trying to flee the building. Eight victims were buried in Karak on Sunday in a funeral that drew a large crowd. Their coffins were draped with Jordanian flags. No group has claimed responsibility for the shooting so far.
