Gunmen killed at least seven people and wounded dozens at a church in southern Jordan on Friday. Authorities said the attackers stormed the compound of a Greek Orthodox church in the village of Hammoud in Karak governorate and opened fire.
The Public Security Directorate said the gunmen stepped out of a vehicle and began shooting during a funeral procession, and that a manhunt was under way. Director of Public Security Maj Gen Abdullah Al-Maaytah said the death toll had risen from six to seven, with 34 people injured, 27 of whom were still being treated.
King Abdullah II said the "terrorist attack against Karak will be met with the harshest retaliation" and vowed to strike "with an iron fist" against anyone who threatens the country. State television images showed the king arriving in Karak on Friday evening.
According to sources, a witness said the attackers fired continuously for about five minutes before fleeing, while 150 to 200 people were in and around the church. Attacks on Christians are rare in the Muslim-majority kingdom.