Jordanian security forces arrested three men on Monday in connection with a deadly attack on a funeral ceremony at a Greek Orthodox church on Friday. In this attack, nine people were killed and around 40 others were injured.
Details of the Arrest Operation
The arrests occurred after an armed confrontation at dawn with gunmen who had taken refuge in an abandoned house in Karak province, located about 120 kilometers southwest of the capital, Amman. All three suspects were injured in the operation, but Jordanian security forces reported no human casualties and also seized weapons and ammunition.
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Response from the Jordanian Interior Minister
Mazen Al-Farawneh, the Jordanian Interior Minister, said in a phone interview with Al-Mamlaka TV: "The security services have performed their duties well and have managed to arrest those who committed this terrorist act." He also noted that the suspects put up strong resistance but were ultimately subdued and captured by security forces.
The Interior Minister added that these three individuals had been previously identified and that security services had utilized all their resources to apprehend them. He emphasized that no one should escape punishment and that no dark ideology that causes division among Jordanians will be tolerated.
Response from the King and Victims' Families
King Abdullah II of Jordan has instructed officials to firmly deal with anyone attempting to undermine the unity of the Jordanian people. A relative of the victims, who also survived the attack, stated that these arrests have provided some solace to the families of the victims. He expressed, "Despite this deep and significant tragedy, what happened today has slightly alleviated our sorrow and the grief of the Jordanian people."
So far, no group has claimed responsibility for this deadly attack, and the General Directorate of Public Security in Jordan has not yet disclosed the names of the suspects or any potential connections they may have with terrorist groups. Attacks against Christian minorities in Jordan are rare, a country recognized as a relatively stable state in the Middle East and a close ally of the United States, with diplomatic and military ties to Israel.
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