Security Alert Issued After Church Attack in Karak

The U.S. Embassy in Jordan issued a security alert urging its citizens to exercise caution following an attack targeting a Greek Orthodox church in the village of Hammoud, Karak Governorate. The embassy stated that security measures have been heightened at shopping centers, foreign embassies in Amman, and other locations, advising citizens to stay updated with announcements from Jordanian authorities and confirming ongoing assessment of the situation with further information to be provided as needed. The head of Jordan's Public Security Directorate reported that seven people were killed and 27 injured when gunmen opened fire during a funeral in the attack. Authorities confirmed that the search for the attackers continues, noting it is too early to determine if they have links to known groups inside or outside Jordan. Prime Minister Jafar Hassan condemned the attack, describing it as the result of extremist ideology and emphasizing that society will not be allowed to follow such a path. King Abdullah of Jordan visited Karak hours after the incident and vowed that the perpetrators will face a "steel fist."