Jordanian police wound three suspects during three-hour standoff

Jordanian security forces have detained three armed suspects following a three-hour firefight in the village of Al-Jadeeda. The men were found hiding in an abandoned house in Karak governorate on Monday. They refused to surrender and opened fire on officers, who returned the attack. All three suspects were wounded during the confrontation before being taken into custody.

The capture concludes a multi-day search for the gunmen responsible for a deadly attack on Friday. On that day, three men opened fire at a funeral held at a Greek Orthodox church in the village of Hamoud. The location is approximately 120 kilometers southwest of Amman. The Ministry of Health reported that eight people died in the shooting. Another 40 individuals sustained injuries.

Government Communication Minister Mohammad Momani described the operation on social media as a successful joint effort. He confirmed that the three suspects were injured and detained after the exchange of fire. The Public Security Directorate stated that the suspects suffered serious injuries during the fight. One suspect remained in critical condition as of Monday. No security personnel were reported injured.

A search of the abandoned house revealed firearms and live ammunition. The directorate released a statement saying the suspects met their just fate. It noted that terrorism has no place among the population. The statement did not identify any specific group affiliated with the attackers. King Abdullah II ordered a review of national security procedures. He stated that those responsible for the attack would face the harshest penalties.

The Karak governorate is home to a large portion of Jordan's Christian minority. This group comprises roughly 300,000 of the country's 11.5 million residents. Interior Minister Mazen al-Faraya said authorities are examining the circumstances that drive young people toward violence. He added that anyone found to have participated in the attack would be held accountable.

Twenty-seven of the injured patients remained hospitalized on Monday. The director of Prince Ali Military Hospital in Karak reported that one patient was in critical condition following surgery. The hospital is managing the ongoing care for survivors of the Friday shooting.