India Condemns Deadly Church Attack in Jordan
Strong Condemnation from India
Security has been tightened across Jordan after the attack. (Photo:X)
Jerusalem/Amman/New Delhi, Oct 24: On Saturday, India expressed its strong condemnation of the tragic church attack in Karak, Jordan, which resulted in the deaths of seven individuals and left many others injured.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the families affected and wished a swift recovery for the injured victims of this cowardly act. The MEA reiterated India's steadfast commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also voiced his shock regarding the incident. He stated, “I am deeply shocked by the heinous attack at a church in Karak, Jordan, on Friday, which claimed several innocent lives and left many others injured. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families, and we wish for a speedy recovery for the injured. India stands firmly with the government and the people of Jordan during this challenging time, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to fighting terrorism in all its forms.”
This statement followed a tragic event where gunmen opened fire during a funeral service at a church in Jordan, resulting in seven fatalities and injuring around 40 others.
The shooting occurred at a Greek Orthodox church located approximately 90 kilometers (55 miles) south of Amman, the capital of Jordan. Footage aired on Jordanian state television depicted two gunmen armed with pistols approaching the church and firing shots.
A third individual, reportedly wielding a semiautomatic rifle, also opened fire as all three assailants rushed toward the church. Witnesses captured video footage showing shattered glass and bloodstains on the church floor.
Dorgham Halasa, a mourner present inside the church, recounted that intense gunfire erupted shortly after the funeral commenced, prompting chaos as people fled. He described the scene as surreal, filled with heavy gunfire.
While Halasa did not see the gunmen, he mentioned that others reported seeing four attackers. The Associated Press could not independently verify the number of assailants, and Jordan's security services have yet to provide further details.
A government statement indicated that the attack was executed by unidentified assailants, but it did not clarify whether any attackers had been apprehended or killed. Investigations are reportedly ongoing.
In response to the tragedy, Jordan has declared three days of national mourning, as reported by the kingdom's Petra News Agency.
Karak is known for its minority Christian population. In 2016, the area experienced a series of attacks that resulted in the deaths of ten individuals, including seven police officers, during an ambush by gunmen.
Jordan's Health Minister Ibrahim al-Budour confirmed that two of the injured individuals are in critical condition.
King Abdullah II stated on social media that Jordan will respond to the terrorist act targeting Karak with severe penalties and extended his condolences to the families of the victims, wishing a swift recovery for the injured.
During a security meeting in Karak, Prime Minister Jafar Hassan attributed the attack to terrorist ideology and blind extremism, assuring that the assailants would face punishment and legal actions would be taken against those promoting extremism.
Ahmed al-Tayeb, the grand imam of Al-Azhar in Cairo, expressed his condolences to the victims' families, labeling the incident a "heinous terrorist attack."
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack, describing it as "especially heinous," and called for accountability for those responsible.