Jordan: Shooting at Greek Orthodox church in Karak

Vatican News

At least seven people were reportedly killed and ten others injured in a shooting on Friday, 23 October, inside a Greek Orthodox church in the governorate of Karak, Jordan, south of the capital, Amman. State television channel Al-Mamlaka reported the toll, citing security sources. Jordanian authorities have confirmed that people were killed and injured but have not yet provided an official casualty figure.

Attack during a funeral service

According to initial accounts carried by Jordanian media, two unidentified gunmen opened fire inside the church while a funeral service was taking place. The attack reportedly occurred in Hammoud, in the Karak governorate, around 180 kilometres south of Amman. Some of the injured are said to be in a serious condition.

Karak is home to a longstanding Christian community, a minority in the predominantly Muslim country. Christian communities, including the Greek Orthodox community, form a significant part of the region’s religious and cultural heritage.

Jordanian authorities investigate

Security forces have launched a major operation to identify those responsible for the shooting. According to state television, two gunmen whose identities remain unknown are being sought.

Jordanian government spokesperson Mohammad al-Momani confirmed in a statement that the security services are investigating the incident. The Kingdom’s Public Security Directorate also reported the shooting, confirming that people had been killed and injured without specifying the number.

No information has yet been released about the motives for the attack, and no claim of responsibility has been reported. It remains unclear whether the gunmen specifically targeted the Christian community.