Nine killed in attack on Greek Orthodox church in Jordan as search for gunmen continues

Amman, Jordan. A shooting at a Greek Orthodox church in Jordan’s Karak governorate on Friday killed nine people and wounded 40 during a funeral service. Authorities said the search for the gunmen was continuing, while King Abdullah ordered security forces to respond forcefully.

Survivor recounts shooting

Sahar al-Halsa said she took cover behind a pillar when gunmen opened fire during the funeral of her cousin’s daughter. She recalled hearing gunfire and panicked screams before running outside, where she saw the attackers and another cousin wounded on the ground.

“I went to him and said: ‘Assem, Assem, my darling, answer me’,” she said.

According to al-Halsa, he opened his eyes and looked at her before dying.

Witnesses said the gunfire continued for several minutes. A funeral for the nine victims is expected to take place on Sunday.

Security forces seek attackers

The attack occurred in Karak governorate, roughly 120 km (75 miles) to the southwest of Amman. Authorities described the rare assault on Jordan’s minority Christian community as extremist terrorism.

King Abdullah, a US partner against Islamist militant groups, instructed security forces to take a forceful approach in response.

Authorities said it remained too early to establish whether the attackers were connected to known groups in Jordan or abroad. No group immediately claimed responsibility.

Survivor reflects at home

Speaking at her home, with the red dome of St George’s church visible from there, al-Halsa said she believed God had saved her.

“My life starts now, because I was going to die,” she said.

Her husband, Ziad al-Halsa, sat beside her during the account. A statue depicting Jesus on the cross stood on a shelf.