Three Jordanian Men Arrested After Three-Hour Firefight in Karak

Three Jordanian nationals are in custody following a three-hour gun battle in the village of al-Jadeeda. Security forces located the suspects in an abandoned house on Monday. The men refused to surrender and opened fire on officers before being subdued.

Interior Minister Mazin al-Farrayeh confirmed the arrests at a press conference. He stated that the three men are relatives from one family, including two brothers. A government source told Al Jazeera that the exchange of gunfire lasted approximately three hours. The Public Security Directorate reported that one suspect was critically injured. Officers recovered firearms and ammunition from the hideout.

The arrests follow the Friday attack on St. George's Church in the village of Hamoud. Armed men stormed the compound during a funeral procession. Eight people died in the assault, and 34 others were wounded. The village of Hamoud is located near a medieval-era castle. The attack targeted the local Christian community, which constitutes between 2 percent and 3 percent of Jordan's population.

King Abdullah II ordered a strong response to the incident. Speaking at a National Security Council meeting on Saturday, he declared the safety of Jordanians a red line. He stated that the hand of justice would reach every terrorist. Prime Minister Jafar Hassan declared three days of national mourning beginning Friday. Flags were lowered to half-mast over government institutions.

Al-Farrayeh described the attackers as extremists with no relationship to humanity. He said the investigation continues and that everyone involved will face justice. The minister added that the tragedy will lead to practical measures to protect civilians. Authorities have not yet named the suspects or linked them to a specific armed group. No organization has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The eight victims were buried in Karak on Sunday. A large crowd attended the funeral under heavy security. Coffins draped in Jordanian flags were carried through the mourners. Images shared on social media identified one of the victims as Mohammad al-Qasous. Security camera footage from the attack showed three individuals shooting outside the church and firing on people attempting to flee.