At least seven people have been killed and about 10 others injured after two unidentified gunmen opened fire during a funeral at Hamoud Church in Jordan’s southern Karak Governorate, according to the country’s state broadcaster.
The attack occurred on Friday, October 23, 2026, prompting a security response as authorities began pursuing the suspects. Some of the injured were reported to be in critical condition, according to Al-Mamlaka, the official broadcaster.
An eyewitness told Al-Mamlaka that a vehicle arrived at the scene before two armed men opened fire. The shooting reportedly lasted about five minutes before the assailants fled.
The witness said between 150 and 200 people were inside and around the church at the time of the incident, with many of those present attending the funeral. The initial account indicated that most of the victims were between 50 and 70 years old.
Jordanian security forces were deployed to the scene and began efforts to locate the attackers. Minister of Government Communication Mohammed Al-Momani confirmed that security personnel were responding to the incident. Authorities said the circumstances surrounding the shooting were being investigated.
The identities and motives of the gunmen had not been established in the initial reports. There was also no immediate confirmation that any group had claimed responsibility for the attack.
The incident has drawn attention because shootings of this nature are uncommon in Jordan, a predominantly Muslim country with a longstanding Christian minority. Karak, in the south of the country, is home to Christian communities and religious sites.
Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances of the attack, establish the identities of those responsible and determine whether the shooting was directed at particular individuals or the wider gathering.
The reported death toll and number of injured remain based on preliminary information from the state broadcaster. Further official updates may clarify the victims’ identities, the condition of those hospitalised and the progress of the investigation.
Deborah Adeyefa
