Jordanian Forces Arrest Three Suspects Following Karak Church Attack
Jordanian security forces arrested three armed suspects in the village of Al-Jadeeda in the Karak governorate on Monday, October 26, 2026, following a three-hour confrontation, authorities say. The arrests come after an attack at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church in the nearby village of Hamoud left nine people dead and dozens wounded during a funeral service.
Confrontation and Arrest in Al-Jadeeda
The three suspects were located hiding in an abandoned house in Al-Jadeeda by the Public Security Directorate. When the men refused to surrender, they attacked security personnel, prompting officers to return fire. All three suspects sustained serious injuries during the three-hour exchange before being taken into custody, according to a Jordanian government source. One suspect was listed in critical condition. Firearms and live ammunition were recovered at the scene, and no security personnel were injured.
Interior Minister Mazen al-Faraya told state TV Al-Mamlaka that the security services employed all available resources to track down the individuals identified early in the investigation. Government Communication Minister Mohammad Momani confirmed the arrests on X, commending the joint operation.
Casualties and Ongoing Hospitalizations from the Hammoud Church Shooting
The October 23 attack occurred when three gunmen opened fire during a funeral at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church in Hamoud, located about 120 kilometers (75 miles) southwest of Amman. The Ministry of Health confirmed that the death toll reached nine, while 27 of the wounded individuals remained hospitalized on Monday. The director of Prince Ali Military Hospital in Karak stated that one patient remains in critical condition following surgery.
Karak governorate is home to many members of Jordan’s Christian minority, which comprises approximately 300,000 citizens within a total population of 11.5 million. On October 25, roughly 3,000 people attended a funeral for the victims. Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for the victims during his Sunday Angelus on October 25, noting Jordan’s history of peaceful religious coexistence.
Official Responses and Security Review
King Abdullah II condemned the violence, vowing that the perpetrators would face the harshest penalties and ordering a comprehensive review of the nation’s security procedures. Prime Minister Jaafar al-Hassan emphasized to a cabinet meeting that countering extremist ideology requires a battle of awareness alongside security measures. Authorities have not yet publicly named the suspects or linked them to any specific militant organization, though the Public Security Directorate stated that the attackers had met their just fate.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Karak Church Investigation
Which groups have claimed responsibility for the Karak church attack?
As of Monday, October 26, 2026, no armed group has claimed responsibility for the shooting, and Jordanian authorities have not linked the three arrested suspects to any specific militant organization.
What is the current condition of the injured survivors?
According to the Jordanian Ministry of Health, 27 of the people wounded in the October 23 attack remained hospitalized on Monday, with at least one patient in critical condition at Prince Ali Military Hospital.
How long did the standoff last before the suspects were captured?
The armed confrontation between the three suspects and Jordanian security forces in the village of Al-Jadeeda lasted for approximately three hours before the wounded men were subdued and taken into custody.
What specific measures has King Abdullah II ordered in response?
King Abdullah II directed authorities to respond with an iron fist, vowed that those responsible will face the harshest penalties, and ordered a comprehensive review of the country’s security response procedures.