Gunmen opened fire at a church in Jordan's Karak governorate during a funeral, killing at least six people and wounding 28. The attack, which occurred at a Greek Orthodox church, has raised concerns about rising violence against religious institutions in the region.
The attack took place during a funeral service with between 150 and 200 attendees. Eyewitnesses reported that masked attackers entered the church and fired for five minutes before fleeing. Security forces are investigating the incident and pursuing two suspects.
Jordan's King Abdullah II vowed to punish those responsible with 'an iron fist,' emphasizing the country's commitment to protecting religious sites. The attack follows a 2016 incident where gunmen attacked a Crusader-era castle in Karak, killing 10 people.
The attack has sparked concerns about the safety of religious communities in Jordan, with analysts noting the rarity of such incidents in a country that prides itself on interfaith coexistence. No claim of responsibility has been made for the attack.