Jordan Captures Three Family Members in Three-Hour Firefight After Church Massacre

Three hours of gunfire ended Monday morning when Jordanian security forces arrested three men hiding in an abandoned house in the village of al-Jadeeda. The suspects, all Jordanian nationals, are linked to Friday’s deadly assault on St. George's Church in Hamoud. Interior Minister Mazin al-Farrayeh confirmed the arrests, noting that the men resisted heavily and were injured during the operation.

The attack struck during a funeral procession, killing at least eight people and wounding 34 others. Armed men entered the church compound in Hamoud, a village known for its medieval castle, and opened fire on mourners. Video footage released by Al-Mamlaka TV shows three individuals shooting outside the building before running toward the entrance. Other clips capture gunmen firing at a group of men attempting to flee the site.

A senior security official told reporters that the three suspects belong to the same family and include two brothers. Authorities stated that the men had no known ties to other armed groups. Al-Farrayeh described the attackers as extremists with no relationship to humanity. The Public Security Directorate said one of the arrested men is critically injured, while firearms and ammunition were recovered from their hideout. A government source indicated the village is a six-minute drive from the church.

King Abdullah II ordered security forces to respond with an iron fist to the attack. Speaking at a National Security Council meeting on Saturday, the King declared the safety of Jordanians a red line. He promised that the hand of justice would reach every terrorist involved. Prime Minister Jafar Hassan declared three days of national mourning, with flags placed at half-mast over government and public institutions.

The eight victims were buried in Karak on Sunday. A large crowd attended the funeral, where coffins draped in Jordanian flags were carried under heavy security. Karak hosts a notable Christian community in a Muslim-majority country where Christians represent between 2 percent and 3 percent of the population. Images shared on social media identified one victim as Mohammad al-Qasous, a Christian.

Al-Farrayeh said authorities are examining the circumstances that drive young people toward extremism. He urged citizens to stay calm and reject violence. The minister stated that the tragedy would lead to practical measures to protect civilians. The investigation continues, and officials said everyone involved will be taken to justice.