Seven people were killed and 34 injured when gunmen opened fire during a funeral at a church in Jordan's Karak governorate, according to official reports. The attack marks a rare incident targeting the Christian minority in a generally stable country.
Authorities say the attackers, who fled after firing for several minutes, are likely extremists with no known ties to groups inside or outside Jordan. A video from the scene shows gunmen hiding behind trees and a low wall before running toward the church entrance. Witnesses describe bloodstains and chaos as security forces arrived.
King Abdullah pledged severe punishment for the attackers, emphasizing national unity against those seeking to divide the country. The attack follows recent tensions with Iran and highlights the vulnerability of religious sites in the region. Jordan has faced multiple attempts by Islamist militants in recent years.
The attack occurred days after US and Israeli strikes on Iran, raising concerns about regional instability. While no group has claimed responsibility, officials and international figures have condemned the violence as a brutal attack on a place of worship.