Kumar Bahukhandi
People and security personnel gather outside a Greek Orthodox church in Hammoud village in Jordan’s Karak governorate following a shooting during a funeral on Friday, 23 October 2026. Photo: AFP
Gunfire erupts at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak governorate, with television footage showing armed men approaching the building and opening fire.
Key Highlights
- Seven people killed and 40 wounded during a funeral on Friday.
- Attack takes place at a Greek Orthodox church in southern Jordan.
- State television footage shows several armed men opening fire.
- The exact number of attackers remains unconfirmed.
Jerusalem: A funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in Jordan’s Karak governorate turned into a scene of panic on Friday, 23 October, as gunmen opened fire, killing seven people and wounding 40 others, authorities said.
Gunmen Filmed Approaching Church
The shooting took place in Hammoud village in Karak governorate, about 180 kilometres south of the capital, Amman.
Footage broadcast on Jordanian state television showed two men apparently carrying pistols approaching the church and firing. A third man, seemingly armed with a semiautomatic rifle, then approached and opened fire before all three ran towards the building.
Witness videos showed shattered glass and pools of blood on the church floor following the shooting.
Mourners Flee as Gunfire Erupts
Dorgham Halasa, who was among the mourners inside the church, said heavy gunfire erupted about 15 minutes after the funeral began, prompting people to run.
“It was a weird situation, and heavy gunfire,” Halasa said.
He said he did not see the attackers himself, although other people reported seeing four gunmen.
Number of Attackers Unconfirmed
The Associated Press said it could not independently verify the number of assailants. Authorities had not confirmed the number of attackers or announced arrests in the report, and investigations were continuing.
