Karak Church Attack: Three Jordanian Brothers Detained After Firefight

Three men were arrested on Monday in connection with the deadly attack on a church in Karak governorate.

Interior Minister Mazin al-Farrayeh stated that all three suspects are Jordanian nationals. They were identified early in the investigation by the Public Security Directorate. The men had been hiding in an abandoned house in the village of al-Jadeeda. This location is a six-minute drive from Hamoud, where the church is located.

The suspects refused to surrender and opened fire on officers who were attempting to arrest them. A government source said the exchange of gunfire lasted approximately three hours. Al-Farrayeh described the resistance as fierce. The directorate reported that one suspect was critically injured during the operation. State news agency Petra reported that firearms and ammunition were recovered from the hideout.

A senior security official told journalists that the three men belong to one family and include two brothers. Authorities have not found ties to other armed groups. No organization has claimed responsibility for the attack. Al-Farrayeh said the investigation continues and that everyone involved will face justice.

The attack occurred on Friday when armed men stormed St. George's Church in Hamoud during a funeral procession. Eight people were killed and 34 were wounded. Security camera footage showed three individuals shooting outside the church and running toward the entrance. Other video showed gunmen firing on men trying to flee the building.

King Abdullah II ordered security forces to respond with an iron fist to the attack on the Christian minority. He stated at a National Security Council meeting on Saturday that the safety of Jordanians is a red line. Prime Minister Jafar Hassan declared three days of national mourning beginning Friday. Flags were flown at half-mast over government institutions.

The eight victims were buried in Karak on Sunday. A large crowd gathered for the funeral under heavy security. Coffins draped in Jordanian flags were carried through the mourners. Mohammad al-Qasous, a Christian, was among the victims shown in images on social media. Christians make up between 2 percent and 3 percent of Jordan's population.