Three suspects detained after deadly shooting at Karak church

Jordanian security forces detained three armed men on Monday after a search that lasted several days. The suspects were hiding in an abandoned house in the village of Al-Jadeeda in Karak governorate.

Public Security Directorate officials said the men refused to surrender. They opened fire on approaching officers, who returned the fire. All three suspects were wounded during the exchange.

A government source told Al Jazeera that the clash lasted about three hours. One suspect is in critical condition, while the other two suffered serious injuries. Petra News Agency reported that no security personnel were hurt. Investigators found firearms and live ammunition at the scene.

The attack occurred on Friday at a Greek Orthodox church in the village of Hamoud. Three gunmen opened fire during a funeral. The Ministry of Health reported that eight people were killed and 40 were injured. By Monday, 27 of the wounded remained in hospitals. The director of Prince Ali Military Hospital in Karak said one patient was in critical condition following surgery.

Karak is home to a large portion of Jordan's Christian minority, which numbers about 300,000 people in a nation of 11.5 million. The Public Security Directorate stated that the suspects met their "just fate." The statement did not name any specific group linked to the attackers.

Government Communication Minister Mohammad Momani praised the joint security operation in a post on X. He confirmed that the three men were detained after refusing to surrender. King Abdullah II offered condolences to the victims' families and ordered a review of national security procedures for responding to attacks.

Interior Minister Mazen al-Faraya said authorities are examining the circumstances that lead young people to embrace violence. He stated that anyone found to have taken part in the attack would be held accountable.