Jordanian forces take three suspects into custody after church funeral attack

Jordanian security forces captured three armed suspects on Monday connected to a shooting at a Greek Orthodox church that killed nine people and wounded 40 others, state television reported. The Public Security Directorate said officers located the men hiding in an abandoned house in Karak, and that they refused to surrender before opening fire on the responding personnel. The suspects were wounded in the return fire and taken into custody; no security personnel were hurt, and officers seized firearms and ammunition, according to the directorate.

The attack occurred on Friday during a funeral service at the church in the village of Hamoud, in Karak governorate about 120 kilometres southwest of Amman. Witnesses said the gunfire lasted several minutes. Jordanian authorities have labeled the incident the work of "extremist terrorist" actors, though no group has claimed responsibility. The directorate did not release the names of the suspects or describe any organizational ties. Its statement said that "Terrorism has no place among us" and that the men had met their "just fate."

King Abdullah has ordered security forces to respond with an "iron fist" to the assault on the country's Christian minority. Interior Minister Mazen al-Faraya said authorities are examining what led young people toward extremism, and that anyone found to have participated will be held accountable. Jordan has broken up a number of Islamist militant plots over the years.

Officials did not provide a schedule for further action. The Public Security Directorate is holding the suspects, and no additional detentions have been announced.