JordanTravel Nine Dead After Gunmen Attack Funeral at Jordan Church in Karak
Gunmen opened fire on mourners at a Greek Orthodox church in Jordan's Karak governorate on 23 October 2026, killing nine people and wounding nearly 40. Jordan's government called the shooting a terrorist act.
Three masked gunmen attacked a Greek Orthodox church in Jordan's Karak governorate as people gathered for a funeral, killing nine people and wounding nearly 40, Jordanian authorities said. The attack took place on Friday 23 October 2026 in Hamoud village, and the death toll had risen to nine by Saturday, a day later.
Key facts
- Where: a Greek Orthodox church in Hamoud village, Karak governorate, about 90 kilometers (55 miles) south of Amman
- When: Friday 23 October 2026, during a funeral gathering
- Casualties: nine dead and nearly 40 wounded as of Saturday 24 October 2026
- Attackers: three masked men armed with automatic weapons
- Official response: Jordan's government described the shooting as a "terrorist" act
What happened at the church?
People had gathered for a funeral and some were standing outside the church chatting when a noise like an engine backfiring was heard, witness Saed al-Halaseh said. Three masked men carrying automatic weapons then appeared and started shooting indiscriminately at the people outside.
The gunmen returned to fire again at those already hit before shooting at the church facade, al-Halaseh said. He described people he knew being shot in the head or the back as others tried to escape, and said he survived by dropping to the ground and crawling behind a nearby car.
Where did the attack take place?
The shooting happened at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, a town roughly 90 kilometers (55 miles) south of the capital, Amman. Karak is home to a minority Christian population.
What is known about the attackers?
The motivation for the shooting was still unknown as of 24 October 2026. No claim of responsibility has been made, and no armed group has been accused of the attack.
What have officials said?
Jordan's government described the shooting as a "terrorist" act. King Abdullah II directed authorities to respond with "an iron fist" against what he called the outlaws of Islam and anyone attempting to undermine the unity of the Jordanian people.
What this means for travellers
The attack took place in the Karak governorate, and travellers in the area can expect a heightened security response following the king's order to authorities. Anyone with plans involving Karak should check current official travel advice and follow instructions from Jordanian authorities. No changes to Jordan's entry rules or visa requirements have been announced in connection with the attack.
No arrests or further official announcements were reported in this account. The investigation into the shooting and its motive is continuing.