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Jordan church attack
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By 15:26 UTC on October 24, the death toll from the shooting at a Greek Orthodox church in southern Jordan had risen to nine, after two more victims died from their injuries. Jordanian security forces are actively conducting a nationwide manhunt to apprehend the fleeing perpetrators.
By 04:58 UTC on October 24, King Abdullah II had visited the wounded while wearing a military uniform. The monarch pledged the "harshest retaliation" and vowed to strike the attackers with an "iron fist."
In response to the violence, the Jordanian government declared three days of national mourning.
How the story developed
The incident began on October 23, 2026, when three unidentified assailants opened fire on a congregation attending a funeral procession. The attack targeted a Greek Orthodox church located in the village of Hamoud within the Karak governorate.
State television initially reported that the gunfire killed at least seven people and left ten others wounded. The number of injured mourners was later recorded at 34.
Immediately after the shooting, security forces cordoned off the southern city to secure the area. The assault represents a rare instance of sectarian violence against the Christian minority in a kingdom typically known for religious tolerance.
The massacre in the southern governorate echoes a previous deadly militant siege that took place in the same region in 2016.
What to watch
- The progress of the nationwide manhunt for the three unidentified attackers.
- The observance of the three days of national mourning declared by the government.
Where things stand
Deadly Church Attack Death Toll Rises to Nine as Jordan Pursues Assailants
Key point: The death toll from the church shooting in southern Jordan has risen to nine as security forces continue their manhunt for the attackers.
The death toll from a shooting at a church in southern Jordan has risen to nine after two more victims died from their injuries on Saturday. Jordanian security forces are actively pursuing the gunmen responsible for the assault.
The attack occurred on Friday when unidentified assailants opened fire during a funeral procession at a Greek Orthodox church in the village of Hamoud, located in Karak governorate. Dozens of mourners were wounded in the rare assault on the country's Christian minority.
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Timeline
October 2026
Jordanian authorities are pursuing assailants following a deadly armed attack on a Greek Orthodox church in southern Jordan.
- Deadly Church Attack Death Toll Rises to Nine as Jordan Pursues AssailantsKey point: The death toll from the church shooting in southern Jordan has risen to nine as security forces continue their manhunt for the attackers.
Gunmen Kill Seven and Wound Ten in Attack on Greek Orthodox Church in Southern Jordan
