Jordanian police capture three relatives in Karak church attack

Jordanian security forces detained three suspects on Monday in connection with the Friday attack on a Greek Orthodox church in Karak governorate.

Interior Minister Mazin al-Farrayeh confirmed that the three men are Jordanian nationals who had been identified early in the investigation. According to the Public Security Directorate, the suspects were hiding in an abandoned house in the village of al-Jadeeda, located six minutes by car from Hamoud where the church stands. The men refused to surrender and opened fire on officers who returned the volley. A government source indicated that this exchange of gunfire lasted for approximately three hours.

A senior security official stated that the detainees belong to a single family and include two brothers. Authorities reported that one suspect was critically injured during the operation, while the others sustained severe wounds. State news agency Petra noted that firearms and ammunition were recovered from the hideout. Al-Farrayeh added that security forces raided several locations before surrounding the suspects.

The attack on St. George's Church in Hamoud occurred during a funeral procession on Friday. Armed men entered the compound, killing eight people and wounding 34 others. Security camera footage shows three individuals shooting outside the building and firing on a group of men attempting to flee. The village is known for its medieval-era castle and has a notable Christian population.

King Abdullah II addressed a National Security Council meeting on Saturday after visiting the victims. He declared that the safety of Jordanians is a red line and ordered security forces to respond with an iron fist. Prime Minister Jafar Hassan declared three days of national mourning starting Friday, with flags at half-mast over government institutions.

The eight victims were buried in Karak on Sunday during a funeral attended by a large crowd. Coffins draped in Jordanian flags were carried through the mourners under heavy security. Al-Farrayeh stated that the investigation continues and that officials are examining the circumstances driving young people toward extremism. He said the killers were extremists with no relationship to humanity and that Jordan is adamant that an attack like this does not happen again.

Authorities have not named the suspects or linked them to any specific armed group, and no organization has claimed responsibility for the killings. Al-Farrayeh posted on social media that officials are working on practical measures to protect civilians following the tragedy.