At least six people were killed and 28 others injured, some seriously, when gunmen opened fire Friday during a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in the village of Hamoud in Karak province, southern Jordan.
Jordan's Public Security Directorate said unidentified gunmen opened fire inside a church in Karak province, causing deaths and injuries. It said security forces were pursuing those involved. Its initial statement did not specify the number of casualties or identify the shooters.
Jordan's Al-Mamlaka television channel, citing a source, reported that two gunmen got out of a vehicle and opened fire during a funeral at the church in Hamoud.
Reuters quoted a funeral attendee as saying that one gunman carried a rifle and the other a handgun. The witness said the shooting lasted several minutes and targeted a gathering of dozens of mourners. The news agency also reported that security forces had deployed around the church and begun searching for the two suspects.
Jordanian authorities have not yet announced the suspects' identities or a motive for the shooting. No group has claimed responsibility.
Jordan's minister of government communication, Mohammad Momani, said security agencies were responding at the scene and that information would be released once verified. He urged the public to allow the authorities to complete their work and to rely on official sources.
The Public Security Directorate also warned against circulating unofficial information about the incident, urging the public to follow statements issued by the relevant authorities.
Hamoud lies in Karak province, which is home to historic Christian communities alongside Muslim residents. The circumstances and motives behind the shooting remain unknown, pending the findings of the investigation and further official information.
This story was first published by ACI MENA, the Arabic-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
