Amman: The United States Embassy in Jordan has warned American citizens to remain alert after a deadly shooting at a Greek Orthodox church in southern Jordan killed seven people and wounded dozens. Security has been increased at shopping malls, foreign embassies and other locations as authorities investigate the attack and search for those responsible.
The shooting took place on Friday, October 23, during a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in Hamoud, in Karak Governorate. The attack has prompted strong condemnation from Jordan's leadership and international leaders, while medical teams continue to treat the wounded.
The US Embassy in Amman said security measures had been increased at several locations across the country. It urged American citizens to exercise caution, remain aware of their surroundings and follow updates from local authorities.
The identity of the attackers and their motives remain unclear. No group had claimed responsibility in the reports available on Saturday, and authorities had not confirmed whether the attackers were connected to an organised militant organisation.
Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan condemned the attack, saying it resulted from terrorist ideology and extremism. King Abdullah II also visited Karak following the shooting and vowed that those responsible would face severe punishment.
Jordan's government announced three days of national mourning beginning on Friday. Flags were to be flown at half mast at government ministries, departments and public institutions as the country mourned the victims.
Jordan's initial official report on Friday said seven people had been killed and 34 wounded. Subsequent reports put the number of injured at 40, while the death toll remained at seven. The reason for the difference between the reported injury figures was not immediately clear.
Health Minister Ibrahim Badour said on Saturday that 27 injured people were still receiving treatment in hospitals, including two who were in critical condition. Some patients had been transferred from local medical facilities to larger hospitals for further treatment.
The investigation is continuing, but the precise number of attackers has not been officially established in the information available. Some reports referred to three gunmen, while a witness said there had been reports of four attackers. Authorities have not confirmed the identity of the assailants or established a specific motive for the shooting.
The attack has also drawn international condemnation. United Nations Secretary General António Guterres expressed condolences to the victims' families and condemned the violence. He called for those responsible to be held accountable, highlighting the seriousness of an attack carried out at a place of worship during a funeral.
The shooting has raised concerns because it occurred at a religious gathering in a country where Christians form a minority. Jordan has a long history of Christian communities living alongside the country's Muslim majority, and Christian churches and religious sites form part of its cultural and religious heritage. However, the circumstances of the attack do not by themselves establish that the gunmen were motivated by religious hatred.
Karak has experienced deadly violence in the past. In December 2016, an attack in the area killed 10 people, including seven security officers. There is no confirmed evidence linking that incident to Friday's church shooting.
Jordan has previously faced security threats from extremist groups and has taken measures to prevent militant attacks. The latest incident has renewed attention on the protection of public spaces, religious gatherings and diplomatic facilities.
The US Embassy's warning reflects heightened security concerns following the shooting, but the available information does not establish a connection between the incident and wider regional conflicts. Authorities continue to investigate the attack as the country observes national mourning and medical teams care for those injured.