Seven killed in shooting at funeral in Jordan's Karak province

OPA WIRE, Oct 23 (OPA) — A group of gunmen opened fire on a crowd attending a funeral at a church in the village of Hamoud on Friday, according to Jordanian authorities. The attack, which left 27 people injured, prompted a swift security response and a visit from King Abdullah II to the Prince Ali Military Hospital, where the victims are receiving treatment.

Interior Minister Mazen al-Faraya confirmed that a group of extremists carried out the assault, though officials have not yet released the identities of the suspects. Public Security Directorate chief Obeidallah al-Maaytah stated that investigations are ongoing, noting that it is too early to provide a definitive timeline for the probe. The Amman public prosecutor has issued a strict gag order on all reporting related to the investigation, limiting information to official government releases.

Witnesses described a scene of chaos as gunmen targeted the church courtyard, forcing attendees to hide under pews. Survivors reported that the shooting lasted approximately 10 to 15 minutes before the assailants were repelled by locals who managed to secure the church doors. The incident has sparked significant public anger and security concerns across the region, with authorities deploying heavy security measures around medical facilities.

Prime Minister Jafar Hassan convened an emergency meeting of the security council in Karak to address the attack. While Jordan has faced sporadic militant violence in the past, including the 2016 Karak castle siege, this assault marks a significant security breach. The government has warned that any dissemination of unverified information regarding the incident will be subject to legal accountability.