Jordan Arrests Three Armed Suspects After Shootout Linked to Deadly Church Attack

Jordanian security forces have arrested three armed suspects after a shootout on Monday, in connection with an attack on a church that left nine people dead, state television reported.

The attack took place on Friday during a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in the village of Hamoud, in Karak governorate, roughly 120 km southwest of the capital, Amman. Forty other people were wounded. Witnesses said the shooting went on for several minutes.

According to a statement from Jordan's Public Security Directorate, published on state media, the suspects were found hiding in an abandoned house in Karak. They refused to give themselves up and attacked the security forces, who returned fire. All three were wounded and then taken into custody.

The directorate said no security personnel were hurt. A number of firearms and ammunition were found with the suspects.

Authorities have described those behind the violence as "extremist terrorists." No group has claimed responsibility. "Terrorism has no place among us," the directorate said, adding that the suspects had met their "just fate."

The Public Security Directorate did not name the suspects, and it did not publicly link them to any Islamist group.

King Abdullah, a US partner in the fight against Islamist groups, has ordered security forces to respond with an "iron fist" to the rare attack on the country's Christian minority.

Violence of this kind is highly unusual in Jordan, which is considered a relatively stable state in the Middle East. Authorities say they have foiled several Islamist plots over the years.

Interior Minister Mazen al-Faraya said officials were examining the circumstances that lead young people toward extremism. He added that anyone found to have taken part in the attack would be held accountable.