Deadly attack on Greek Orthodox church in Jordan

On Friday, October 23, 2026, armed assailants attacked a Greek Orthodox church in the village of Hamoud, Karak Governorate, Jordan, during a funeral service. The incident resulted in eight deaths and approximately 40 injuries, with many victims receiving medical care in local hospitals. Witnesses reported that masked gunmen arrived in a vehicle and opened fire for several minutes, causing mass panic among those gathered for the memorial ceremony.

Jordanian authorities, including Interior Minister Mazen Al-Faraya and the Public Security Directorate, have officially classified the assault as an act of extremist terrorism. While security forces have launched a massive manhunt to locate the perpetrators, no group has claimed responsibility. King Abdullah II has condemned the attack, vowing to respond with an "iron fist" and pledging to hold the perpetrators strictly accountable. In response to the violence, security measures have been heightened at sensitive locations, including foreign embassies and shopping centers across the country.

International leaders and religious figures, including the President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides and the Archbishop of Cyprus George, have expressed deep shock and solidarity with the victims. The attack has been widely denounced as an act of intolerance and a threat to religious freedom in the region.