Jordanian Police End Three-Hour Standoff: Three Suspects Arrested

Jordanian security forces arrested three suspects in a dawn raid on Monday morning, ending a three-hour gun battle in the village of al-Jadeeda. The operation concluded a search that began after armed men attacked a Greek Orthodox church in the nearby village of Hamoud on Friday. At least eight people were killed and 34 were wounded during the incident, which occurred during a funeral procession.

Interior Minister Mazin al-Farrayeh confirmed on Monday that all three suspects are Jordanians. He stated that security services identified them early in the investigation. The suspects, who are from the same family, included two brothers. They were hiding in an abandoned house in al-Jadeeda, located six minutes by car from the site of the church attack.

During the raid, the suspects refused to surrender and opened fire on security forces. Police returned fire, resulting in severe injuries to the suspects. One was critically wounded. Authorities recovered firearms and ammunition from the hideout. A senior security official told reporters that no ties to other groups have been found. The suspects are currently in custody.

The attack on St George’s Church was described by authorities as a rare event. The church is known for its medieval-era castle. Security camera footage showed three individuals shooting outside the building and firing at men trying to flee. King Abdullah II ordered security forces to respond with an "iron fist" to the attack. He stated that the safety of Jordanians is a red line and that justice will reach every terrorist.

The government declared three days of national mourning, starting on Friday. Flags were flown at half-mast over public institutions. Eight victims were buried in Karak on Sunday. Their coffins were draped with Jordanian flags during a funeral attended by a large crowd. One identified victim is Mohammad al-Qasous, a Christian. Christians make up between 2 percent and 3 percent of Jordan's population.

Al-Farrayeh said in a post on X that the government is examining circumstances that lead young people toward extremism. He called for citizens to remain calm and rejected violence. The Public Security Directorate stated that terrorism has no place among the people. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. Investigations into the motive and logistics of the assault are ongoing.