A shooting occurred at the Hamoud church in Karak province, Jordan, on 23 October 2026. Government spokesperson Mohammad Al-Momani reported that six people were killed and 28 were injured in the attack. King Abdullah II described the shooting as a terrorist attack in a statement released on X. He stated, "Every Jordanian life is precious, and we will strike with an iron fist against those who dare to threaten our nation."
The incident has prompted a significant mobilization of security resources within the region. Local law enforcement and national security agencies were deployed to the site in Karak province immediately following the initial reports of the violence. The area surrounding the Hamoud church was cordoned off as investigators began the process of gathering evidence and securing the perimeter. The government has prioritized identifying the individuals responsible for the assault, and authorities are currently processing the scene to understand the tactical nature of the attack.
Conflicting Reports on Casualties
State broadcaster Al-Mamlaka initially reported that seven people were killed and 10 were injured in the attack at the Hamoud church. These figures differ from the official account provided by government spokesperson Mohammad Al-Momani, who stated that six people died and 28 were wounded. Reports on the total casualties remain inconsistent between the state media outlet and the government’s confirmed tally. Jordanian authorities continue to investigate the incident that took place in Karak province on 23 October 2026. No further details regarding the discrepancy in the casualty figures have been released by officials in Amman. The process of verifying the identities of the victims and the status of the injured remains ongoing as hospitals in the vicinity manage the influx of patients.
Official Response to Attack
Interior Minister Mazen al-Farrayeh stated on 23 October 2026 that the incident at the Hamoud church was a terrorist operation carried out by a group of extremists. He provided this assessment following the initial security response in Karak province. Jordanian authorities are currently conducting a detailed investigation into the activities of the individuals involved in the attack.
The Interior Minister emphasized the gravity of the threat posed by these extremists during his briefing. His assessment serves as the primary characterization of the event from the perspective of the national security apparatus. The investigation is expected to cover both the operational planning of the attack and the potential affiliations of the individuals involved.
Christians comprise approximately 2-3% of the total population in Jordan. This demographic group maintains a presence across the country, including in areas near the site of the shooting. Government officials have not released further data regarding the specific security measures for these communities following the events of 23 October 2026. The demographic profile of the region remains a point of focus for those tracking the broader implications of the security situation in Karak province. Officials in Amman continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that updates are provided as the investigation into the Hamoud church incident moves forward.
