“We will confront the terrorist act with the harshest penalties.” King Abdullah’s first comment on the shooting in a church in Karak

The Jordanian monarch, King Abdullah II, pledged on Friday to "strike with an iron hand" against those who "assaulted" Jordan, stressing that confronting the "terrorist act" that took place in a church in Karak Governorate would be "with the harshest penalties."

The Jordanian king said: "We will confront the terrorist act that targeted Karak with the harshest penalties. Whoever imagines that the bullets of treachery are splitting the ranks of the Jordanians, his efforts will be defeated in the face of our steadfastness and unity."

He added: "All Jordanians from the north to the south of the country are partners in land and position, and no treachery will be committed between them. My deepest condolences to the families of the martyrs and our wishes for recovery to the injured."

King Abdullah II continued, saying: “Jordanian blood is precious, and we will strike with an iron fist anyone who insults this country.”

The Public Security Directorate in Jordan announced that 6 people were killed and 28 others were injured in a shooting incident during a funeral in a church in Karak Governorate, south of the kingdom, on Friday.