UAE Condemns Terrorist Shooting at Jordanian Church

The United Arab Emirates has issued a strong condemnation following a terrorist shooting at Hamoud church in the Karak Governorate of Jordan.

The attack resulted in significant casualties, leading the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to reiterate its firm rejection of all acts of violence, extremism, and terrorism designed to destabilize the region.

In a formal statement, the UAE extended its condolences to the victims’ families and the Jordanian people, while wishing a full recovery for those currently receiving treatment. The ministry emphasized its commitment to opposing any threats to security and social stability.

Jordan’s Public Security Directorate confirmed that seven individuals were killed and 34 others sustained injuries during a funeral service on Friday. Major General Abdallah Al-Maaytah stated during a press conference in Karak that search operations for the perpetrators are ongoing while the majority of the wounded remain under medical care. The head of Jordan’s Public Security Directorate told reporters that seven people were killed and 34 injured on Friday when gunmen ⁠opened fire during a funeral at a church in Karak.

Interior Minister Mazin Al Farrayeh characterized the assailants as extremists. Authorities have not yet determined if the attackers hold ties to known local or international factions, and no group has claimed responsibility for the incident so far. According to interior Minister Mazin Al Farrayeh, The attack had been carried out by “extremists,” ⁠but that it was too early to tell whether they had any links to known groups either inside or outside Jordan. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Security footage aired on Al-Mamlaka television captured three individuals firing weapons at the church from a sidewalk, utilizing trees and a low wall for cover before advancing toward the entrance. Reuters has confirmed the authenticity of the recording, which matches physical details of the site. The video showed the attackers then running towards the church’s entrance. As well as other details, reuters was able to verify the video from the entry path and wall surrounding the church.

Eyewitness Khaled Burqan described the scene to Al-Mamlaka, noting that the shooting lasted for several minutes among a crowd of dozens. Another witness, Ihab Ammareen, described the traumatic aftermath, stating that people were crying, wailing, and screaming as victims collapsed on the floor bleeding.

King Abdullah of Jordan visited Karak shortly after the violence, vowing that the state would respond with an iron fist. He declared that those attempting to divide Jordanians with bullets would fail against the nation’s unified front. According to those who delude themselves into thinking that they can divide Jordanians with their bullets have no chance in the face of our unity,” he, In a statement.

The attack has drawn widespread condemnation, including from Jordan’s Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Mohammad Khalayleh, and multiple members of the country’s parliament. Internationally, US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz labeled the event a depraved and brutal attack on a house of worship in a post on X.