Gunmen killed at least seven people and wounded 34 others at a Greek Orthodox church in the village of Hammoud in Karak, Jordan, on Friday, October 23, 2026. The attack occurred within the Karak governorate, prompting an immediate response from security forces in the area. Medical personnel transported the wounded to nearby facilities for urgent treatment following the violence. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the assault at the religious site. Jordanian officials are currently assessing the security situation in the village as they work to identify the individuals responsible for the shooting.
Details of Funeral Attack
Mourners were gathered within the church compound for a funeral procession when the armed assault began. The gathering, which had been intended for a memorial service, transitioned into a scene of violence as the gunmen opened fire on those in attendance.
Jordanian Director of Public Security Major General Abdullah al-Maaytah confirmed the official casualty figures, reporting that seven people were killed and 34 others sustained injuries. According to the Director, 27 of the wounded remained under medical care at hospitals on October 25.
Jordanian Minister of the Interior Mazen al-Faraya addressed the nature of the violence during a public statement. "Jordan has been targeted by a terrorist attack carried out by a group of extremists," the Minister stated. He further characterized the event by noting, "A terrorist group has carried out a horrific act, one that is condemned in every respect, and the security services are working round the clock to track them down."
One man injured during the attack expressed defiance from his hospital bed regarding the targeting of the religious site. "This country is ours, and we will not abandon it — we will never abandon it," the man said.
King Abdullah II issued a formal statement through the Jordanian Royal Court vowing a direct response to the assault. The King declared, "The terrorist attack against Karak will be met with the harshest retaliation." He added, "We will strike with an iron fist against those who dare to threaten our nation." Authorities continue to monitor the security situation in the Karak governorate as investigations proceed into the identity and affiliations of the attackers.
