Six people killed in Jordan church shooting during funeral Source: bbc.co.uk.
Two gunmen opened fire at a church in central Jordan during a funeral, killing six people and injuring 28 others.
What happened
The attack occurred on Friday in the Karak governorate, a region with a significant Christian population in a predominantly Muslim country.
Security forces were deployed after the incident, which began when two armed individuals arrived in a vehicle and opened fire inside the church.
Footage from the scene shows bodies on the ground and chaotic scenes. Witnesses reported that the gunmen fired for several minutes before fleeing.
Key facts
- Six people were killed in the attack.
- Twenty-eight others were injured.
- The gunmen were armed with a rifle and a pistol.
- No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the attack.
- Security forces are conducting a manhunt.
- Dozens of mourners were inside the church when the shooting began.
Witness account
Khaled Burqan, one of the mourners, told Jordan’s al-Mamlaka state-run TV that the attackers were firing at people for several minutes.
He described the scene as chaotic, with people fleeing and others trying to assist the wounded.
Background
Jordan is a country with a long-standing religious diversity, including a notable Christian community in the southern Karak region.
Violence in religious settings is rare in Jordan. The country has seen past attacks, but none of the same scale or nature as this incident.
Government officials have not yet released a full statement, but a news briefing by the interior ministry is expected.
Why it matters
The attack underscores the vulnerability of religious gatherings in a country where public security is generally stable.
It raises concerns about the safety of minority communities during public events, especially in regions with significant religious diversity.
Such incidents could prompt a reassessment of security protocols at places of worship.
Limitations and open questions
There is no confirmed motive behind the attack.
No group has claimed responsibility.
It remains unclear whether the attackers had a specific target or acted randomly.
There is no evidence of a broader extremist network or connection to known terrorist groups.
What to watch next
Interior ministry officials are expected to hold a briefing to provide more details.
Security forces are continuing the manhunt for the two gunmen.
Authorities may release a full report on the incident in the coming days.
For more on recent attacks in the region, see a similar incident in Paris.
For a broader context on religious diversity in Jordan, see the original report.
Sources & further reading
Featured image: Several security personnel surrounded by cars in a car park in Jordan.. Via original publisher. Image source
