MEA condemns deadly church attack in Jordan that killed eight
Gunmen opened fire on a funeral procession at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, Jordan, prompting international condemnation and national mourning.
Quick Look
- An attack on a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, Jordan, killed eight people and injured 26 others.
- Jordanian leaders vowed harsh retaliation while India condemned the terror act.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Gunmen opened fire on a funeral procession at a Greek Orthodox church in the village of Hammoud in Jordan's Karak governorate on October 23, 2026.
India on Saturday condemned a deadly attack on a Greek Orthodox church in Jordan that killed eight people and injured several others, expressing solidarity with the Jordanian government and people.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, "India unequivocally condemns the heinous attack at a Church in Karak, Jordan on 23rd October 2026, which resulted in the tragic loss of several innocent lives and injuries to many others. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish a swift recovery to those injured in this cowardly attack. India stands firmly with the Government and the friendly people of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in this difficult hour. We also reaffirm our strong commitment to the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations."
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the victims' families.
The attack took place on Friday at a church in the village of Hammoud in the Karak governorate, where gunmen opened fire on a funeral procession.
The death toll rose to eight on Saturday after one of the injured victims, who was in critical condition, died, Health Minister Ibrahim al-Bdour told AFP. Another 26 people remain hospitalised, including one in critical condition, the minister said.
Jordanian Interior Minister Mazen al-Faraya described the shooting as a terrorist attack and said security forces were working to track down those responsible.
"A terrorist group has carried out a horrific act, one that is condemned in every respect, and the security services are working round the clock to track them down," he told a press conference.
King Abdullah II, who visited the wounded at a hospital in Karak, also condemned the attack and said on X that the shooting "will be met with the harshest retaliation".
Prime Minister Jafar Hassan ordered three days of national mourning beginning Friday, with flags to be flown at half-mast over government and public institutions.
Karak is home to a significant Christian community in Jordan, a Muslim-majority country where Christians account for between two and three per cent of the population.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Three days of national mourning with flags at half-mast across Jordan.
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- Which terrorist group carried out the attack?
- What are the motives behind the church shooting?
