Jordanian Forces Capture Three Suspects in Karak Church Shooting After Gun Battle

KARAK, JORDAN — Jordanian security forces arrested three suspects in a dawn raid on October 26 following a shootout in connection with Friday’s deadly attack on St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church. Gunfire was heard during the operation in Karak as authorities pursued the men, according to sources cited by Al Arabiya.

The Public Security Directorate said the suspects were found hiding in an abandoned house in the village of al-Jadeeda. They refused to surrender and opened fire on security forces, who returned fire and took all three into custody. All three were injured, one critically, and authorities reported no injuries among security personnel.

Interior Minister Mazen al-Farrayeh said the suspects were Jordanian nationals who had been identified shortly after the attack. A senior security official told journalists that the three men belonged to one family, including two brothers. Authorities have not publicly named them or identified any connection to an armed group.

The raid followed Friday’s shooting at St. George’s Church in Hammoud village, where gunmen attacked people attending a funeral. Nine Christians were killed and 34 others wounded. No group has claimed responsibility.

Jordanian authorities said the suspects’ hideout contained firearms and ammunition. Al-Farrayeh stated that investigations were continuing and vowed to bring everyone involved in the attack to justice. King Abdullah II praised security forces for pursuing the suspects and reiterated that those responsible would face punishment. The government has also called on citizens to reject extremism and maintain calm as the investigation proceeds.

The arrests come as Jordan continues to mourn the victims. Thousands attended the funeral in Karak on Sunday, led by Patr. Theophilos III of Jerusalem, who also visited injured survivors in hospital. The ninth victim was buried near Amman on Monday.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Patr. Theophilos III held a memorial for victims of a terrorist attack in Jordan.