Alarab in UK Expresses Condolences to Victims of Church Attack in Jordan’s Karak

The Alarab in UK team extends its heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the people of Jordan following the horrific attack on a church in Karak during a funeral, which left dozens dead and injured.

At least seven people were killed and around ten others injured, some critically, in an armed attack on Friday afternoon, 23 October 2026, targeting mourners at St George’s Greek Orthodox Church in the village of Hamoud, in Jordan’s southern Karak Governorate. The figures are based on reports by Jordan’s official Al Mamlaka TV, citing a security source, and were also reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP) and Reuters.

In a statement, Jordan’s Public Security Directorate said unidentified gunmen had opened fire inside a church in the governorate, causing deaths and injuries. It added that the relevant security agencies were pursuing those responsible. According to the security source, the attackers got out of a vehicle and opened fire as the funeral procession was leaving the church.

Eyewitnesses told Al Mamlaka TV that the attackers continued firing for around five minutes before fleeing the scene. One was reportedly carrying an automatic rifle and the other a handgun. They added that between 150 and 200 people were inside and around the church at the time of the attack, and that most of the victims were aged between 50 and 70.

Civil Defence teams transported the injured to hospitals, including Prince Ali Military Hospital.

Government Communications Minister and official government spokesperson Mohammad Al-Momani said security agencies were following up on the incident on the ground and that the government would issue statements as information was verified. He urged the public to allow security agencies to carry out their work and to obtain information from official sources.

The Public Security Directorate also warned against circulating unofficial information about the incident, stating that those who did so could face legal consequences.

As of Friday afternoon, no group had claimed responsibility for the attack. Authorities had announced no arrests or identified any motive, and the victims’ identities had not been made public.

The Alarab in UK team prays that Allah grants mercy to those who lost their lives, a swift recovery to the injured, and patience and solace to their grieving families and loved ones, as well as to the people of Karak and Jordan as a whole. May Allah protect Jordan and its people from all harm.