Death toll in Jordan church attack rises to 9 as government blames extremist takfiri ideology

The death toll from the gun attack on a Greek Orthodox church in Jordan's Karak during a funeral service has risen to nine. Authorities said more than two dozen people were injured. On Saturday (24 October), the government blamed the attackers' adherence to an 'extremist takfiri ideology'.

The attack took place on Friday (23 October) at a Greek Orthodox church in the village of Hamoud in Karak governorate, about 55 miles south of the capital Amman, while a funeral service was under way. Gunmen stormed the church and opened fire, leaving many casualties at the scene.

Jordan's Health Minister Ibrahim al-Budour said on Saturday that one critically injured patient remained in an unstable condition at Prince Ali Military Hospital. Many of the injured were admitted to various hospitals.

Government spokesperson Mohammad Momani said on Saturday that the attackers subscribed to an 'extremist takfiri ideology', which brands those who reject a strict interpretation of Islam as apostates or nonbelievers. Terrorist groups such as ISIS have invoked takfiri beliefs to justify killing Muslims, Christians and Jews.

However, it remains unclear whether the gunmen were affiliated with any terror group. Jordanian authorities have not announced any arrests in connection with the attack, and the number of attackers has not been officially confirmed.

Footage aired on Jordanian state television showed two gunmen armed with what appeared to be pistols approaching the church and opening fire. Moments later, a third man carrying what appeared to be a semiautomatic rifle joined them, and all three rushed towards the church.

Eyewitness Dorgham Halasa told reporters that intense gunfire erupted inside the church some 15 minutes after the funeral service began, and people started running. He said he did not see the gunmen himself, but others he spoke with reported at least four attackers.

After security forces cordoned off the church area, the scene inside was grim — broken glass and pools of blood. Witnesses also reported seeing two bodies covered with blankets outside the church.

On Friday, King Abdullah II said Jordan would confront the terrorist act that targeted Karak with the harshest penalties. He said whoever imagines that the bullets of treachery can divide the ranks of Jordanians will fail, and he offered his deepest condolences to the victims' families.

Karak is home to a sizable Christian minority. Spokesperson Momani emphasised that Christians are 'part of Jordan's national fabric'. With that message after the attack, the government is seeking to keep communal unity intact.

The investigation and the effort to identify the attackers are ongoing. More information is expected as investigators establish the motive behind the attack and any possible organisational links.