Three detained in Jordan church attack

Jordanian security forces arrested three armed suspects on Monday following a deadly attack on a Greek Orthodox church. State television reported the arrests took place in the Karak governorate, roughly 120 kilometres southwest of Amman.

The shooting occurred on Friday during a funeral service. Witnesses stated that gunfire continued for several minutes, resulting in nine fatalities and 40 injuries. The village of Hamoud is located in the Karak region, where the church was situated.

The Public Security Directorate announced that officers located the three men hiding in an abandoned house. The suspects refused to surrender and opened fire on the security team. Forces returned fire, wounding all three men before taking them into custody. Officials confirmed that no security personnel were injured during the exchange and that firearms and ammunition were recovered from the scene.

Authorities have characterized the attack as the work of extremist terrorists, although no group has officially claimed responsibility. The directorate did not release the names of the suspects or specify any links to Islamist militant organizations. In a statement, the directorate noted that terrorism has no place among the population and described the suspects as having met their just fate.

King Abdullah has ordered security forces to respond with an iron fist to the assault. He emphasized the importance of protecting the country's Christian minority. Interior Minister Mazen al-Faraya said officials are reviewing the conditions that drive young people toward extremism. He added that anyone found to have participated in the attack would be held accountable.

The next step in the investigation involves determining the specific motivations of the suspects and confirming whether any other individuals are involved in the plot.