Jordan arrests three suspects after deadly church attack

Jordanian security forces arrested three Jordanian suspects on Monday in connection with a deadly attack on a Greek Orthodox church in Karak governorate, authorities said.

The suspects were found in an abandoned house in al-Jadeeda, near the site of Friday’s attack on St George’s Church in the village of Hammoud. Jordan’s Public Security Directorate said the men refused to surrender and opened fire, prompting a shootout during the dawn raid. All three were wounded and taken into custody, with one reported in critical condition. No security personnel were reported killed or injured. Firearms and ammunition were recovered from the hideout, according to the state news agency Petra.

Gunmen had stormed the church compound during a funeral procession. Accounts differed on the toll: Jordanian reporting cited by Dawn and The National said nine people were killed, while Al Jazeera reported eight deaths. Reports also placed the number of wounded between more than two dozen and 40.

Authorities described the attack as a terrorist incident but did not name the suspects or link them publicly to a specific organization. Interior Minister Mazen al-Faraya said there was no indication of external contacts or collaboration with foreign parties. Jordan declared three days of national mourning, while King Abdullah II said those responsible would not escape punishment.