Kerek Hamud Church Attack (2026)

Attack on the Kerek Hamud Church, carried out on 23 October 2026 in the village of Hamud, located in the Kerek governorate of southern Jordan, occurred during a funeral service at the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George, when armed individuals opened fire. ^【1】Seven people were killed in the attack, and dozens were injured. ^【2】Jordanian authorities have classified the attack as a terrorist act carried out by an extremist group. ^【3】In the aftermath of the attack, Jordan declared a three-day national mourning period. ^【4】

The attack took place at the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George in the village of Hamud, within the Kerek governorate. The Greek Orthodox community is the largest Christian community in Jordan. ^【5】Hamud has for centuries been home to a community predominantly composed of Christians. ^【6】

The Kerek governorate is a historic region located approximately 118 kilometers south of the capital Amman. With a population of approximately 375,000, the majority of the governorate’s population consists of Sunni Muslims. Numerous Christian tribes reside in the governorate, including the Halasa and Hijazin tribes, with Christian families concentrated in specific neighborhoods such as the “Christian Quarter” in the town center. ^【7】

^{The area around the attacked church, 23 October 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

The attack occurred on Friday, 23 October 2026, during a funeral service held at the church for the burial of a woman. The Directorate of Public Security stated that armed individuals exited a vehicle and opened fire on attendees of the funeral. ^【8】 It was reported that the attackers arrived at the scene using a vehicle used for gas transportation. ^【9】

Footage from a security camera mounted on the church showed three individuals firing from the sidewalk toward the church, taking cover behind trees and a low wall, then running toward the church entrance. ^【10】 The footage also showed the attackers carrying backpacks and opening intense fire at funeral attendees inside the building from the outer courtyard.

It is estimated that between 150 and 200 people were inside and around the church during the attack. ^【11】 The attackers fled the scene after opening fire. ^【12】 No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. ^【10】

Director of Public Security Lieutenant General Ubaydallah al-Maayita, alongside Minister of Interior Mazen al-Farayeh, announced at a press conference in Kerek that seven people lost their lives in the attack and that 27 injured persons were receiving treatment in hospitals. ^【13】 The Directorate of Public Security reported a total of 34 injured. ^【14】 The Minister of Health, however, stated the number of injured was 40. ^【10】

The death toll was revised several times during the day. Initial reports indicated seven fatalities, followed by a government spokesperson stating the number was six, before officials later updated the figure back to 7. ^【15】 A member of the Halasa family stated that among the deceased were three doctors. ^【14】

^{Relatives of the wounded outside Prince Ali Bin Hussein Military Hospital, 23 October 2026 – (Anadolu Agency)}

The Kerek Hospital, where the injured were transported, issued an appeal for emergency blood donations. ^【13】

William Halasa, who was inside the church during the attack, stated that the attack occurred during the funeral of a relative, shortly after the service and prayers had begun. He reported hearing explosions and gunshots, and described how two armed men entered the church, broke windows and doors, and opened fire on those inside. Halasa indicated the number of attackers may have exceeded two and that one of the wounded had been shot in the head. He added, “The number of people present during the armed attack ranged between 150 and 200, inside and outside the church (...) most were between the ages of 50 and 70.” ^【16】

Another eyewitness, Tamer Halasa, said, “Some young people were standing in front of the church, then two men got out of a vehicle and began shooting.” ^【17】 Halid Burkan, who attended the funeral, stated that dozens of people were present, that the attackers fired for several minutes, and that one attacker carried a pistol while the other carried a rifle. ^【18】

Halid al-Medanat, who was inside the church, said the attack lasted approximately 15 minutes and that “people were trying to flee while the shooting was still ongoing.” ^【15】

Following the attack, a comprehensive security reinforcement was deployed in the area and search operations were launched to locate the attackers. ^【19】 Simultaneously with the search operations, all entry and exit points to the Kerek governorate were closed. ^【8】 The Directorate of Public Security announced that the identities of the attackers remain unknown and that they have not yet been apprehended. ^【17】

^{The situation in the region following an armed attack at a church in the town of Karak, Jordan, on 23 October 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Government Spokesperson and Minister of Communications Muhammad al-Momani, in an early social media post, stated that official statements would be issued only after information had been verified, and urged the public to allow security forces to carry out their duties and to rely only on official sources. ^【20】 Directorate of Public Security Spokesperson Amir al-Sartawi emphasized that the investigation was proceeding intensively and that findings would be released progressively, urging citizens not to share information about the incident outside official channels. ^【8】

Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan chaired a security council meeting at the Kerek Governorate building, attended by all relevant ministers and officials, to oversee the response to this heinous terrorist act. ^【16】

The Attorney General’s Office of Jordan imposed a media blackout regarding the attack. ^【13】 Under the order, the publication or sharing of any news or information related to the case or the investigation—including photographs and video footage—on visual, audio, print, and social media platforms is legally prohibited. Official state media operating under the supervision of the Ministry of Communications were exempted from the blackout. ^【16】

^{King Abdullah II of Jordan visited the injured at the Prince Ali Bin Hussein Military Hospital on 23 October 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Minister of Interior Mazin al-Farayeh stated that the attack was carried out by “a group of extremists”. ^【21】 Al-Farayeh noted that authorities had names in their possession but that it was still too early to disclose the identities of the perpetrators. ^【16】 He also stated that it was too early to confirm whether the attackers had links to known groups inside or outside the country. ^【22】

King Abdullah II of Jordan, in a social media statement, declared, “We will respond to the terrorist attack targeting Kerek with the harshest penalties.” and added, “The efforts of those who believe the bullets of betrayal can divide the ranks of Jordanians have been rendered futile by our determination and unity.” ^【13】 The King further stated, “All Jordanians, from north to south, are partners in this land and its stance; no betrayal will infiltrate among them. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the martyrs and pray for the recovery of the injured.” ^【23】 King Abdullah also emphasized, “The blood of Jordanians is precious. We will respond to those who reach out to this country with an iron fist.” ^【13】

Hours after the attack, King Abdullah II traveled to Kerek wearing his military uniform. ^【16】 The King visited the injured at the Prince Ali bin Al Hussein Hospital. ^【17】

^{King Abdullah II of Jordan visits the injured in the hospital, 23 October 2026 – (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Queen Rania described the attack as “a heinous crime that wounds us all” and said, “This deep wound is borne by all Jordanians.” ^【21】 In a social media post, she wrote, “Our hearts are with the people of Kerek.” ^【14】

Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan stated, “What happened in Kerek is the result of extremist terrorist ideology.” Hassan affirmed that all institutions are working to bring the perpetrators of the Kerek incident to justice and that the perpetrators will receive the punishment they deserve. ^【16】 Hassan characterized the attack as targeting every Jordanian, emphasizing that terrorism has no country or religion. ^【24】

Minister of Interior Mazen al-Farayeh condemned the attack, saying, “This attack shattered the hearts of Jordanian families,” and added, “This cowardly terrorist act will only strengthen the resolve of Jordanians to reject violence and extremism and to combat all forms of terrorism.” ^【13】 Al-Farayeh emphasized that the attack was carried out by a group “with no connection to humanity,” stating, “This country will never be dragged into terrorism or violence,” and “Jordanians have never witnessed anything like this before.” ^【25】 He described the incident as “heartbreaking and horrifying” and “unprecedented in the history of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.” ^【15】 Al-Farayeh also stated, “Jordan is immune to all attempts to drag it into extremism and terrorism.” ^【14】

Director of Public Security Ubaydallah al-Maayita said, “The perpetrators will be caught, and our national unity will not be harmed.” ^【25】 Minister of Communications Muhammad al-Momani, in a press conference, affirmed, “Jordanian Christians are an inseparable part of our national fabric,” urging the public not to disseminate unverified information and rumors, and emphasized that the state would confront terrorism and extremism with full determination. ^【16】

Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Muhammad al-Halayile rejected the criminal acts as devoid of religious and humanitarian values, noting that terrorism makes no distinction between Muslim and Christian. He affirmed that brotherhood and solidarity between Jordan’s Muslim and Christian children will continue to serve as a profound example, and that the unity and historical resilience of society “reflects the true face of the country and renders attempts to sow discord among its citizens futile.” ^【8】

Jordan’s House of Representatives strongly condemned the attack as a terrorist and cowardly act. The body affirmed its rejection of all criminal acts threatening social peace, emphasized that Kerek remains a model of coexistence and solidarity between Muslim and Christian children, and called for a firm response to terrorism and a response of tolerance to hatred. ^【8】

^{The situation in the region following an armed attack at a church in the town of Karak, Jordan, on 23 October 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan decided to declare a three-day nationwide mourning period effective from 23 October 2026. During the mourning period, flags at ministries, official offices, and public institutions were lowered to half-mast. The government conveyed its condolences to the families of the deceased and the people of Kerek. ^【26】

Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem stated in a declaration, “The Patriarchate condemns this vile, cowardly, and bloody act that directly targeted our community and claimed the lives of martyrs at the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George in Kerek, Hamud.” The Patriarchate affirmed that Jordan’s security forces possess the “professionalism and urgency required to deliver the terrorist perpetrators to justice.” Patriarch Theophilos III and members of the Holy Synod extended their condolences to the families of the deceased, the Jordanian people, and the Hashemite leadership. ^【27】

The Patriarchate’s statement added, “This abhorrent, bloody act will not shake our national unity or our resolve. On the contrary, it will only strengthen the bond between Christians and Muslims and bring us closer together under our Hashemite leadership.” The statement further declared, “No matter how intense the events around us become or what hardships befall us, we will not be forced to abandon our land. We are the children of this land, its roots; we are partners in its history, present, and future. No matter how great the difficulties or how heavy the trials, as witnesses of faith, we will remain here.” It also affirmed, “We firmly believe that our Jordanian society will remain resilient against all forms of darkness and extremist ideologies, and that this criminal act is entirely alien and contrary to the moderate Islam practiced in our country.” ^【28】

Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem extended condolences to the families of the deceased, the people of Hamud, and all affected by the attack. The Patriarchate stated, “The national unity of the Jordanian people serves as a vital guarantee against terrorism, extremism, and all attempts to sow division or discord.” ^【17】

Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayyeb of Al-Azhar, in a social media post, said, “Our hearts are with our brotherly family in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in the face of the sinful terrorist attack targeting one of the churches in Kerek governorate and innocent people in their places of safety. This is a crime that contradicts the teachings of the Abrahamic faiths and reveals the complete absence of mercy, humanity, and morality in its perpetrators.” ^【16】

The attack was condemned by Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Palestine, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain. ^【16】

Egypt President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, in a social media statement, said, “I extend my deepest condolences and best wishes for recovery to His Majesty King Abdullah II and the brotherly people of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, following the treacherous terrorist attack on one of the churches in Kerek governorate.” Sisi added, “While Egypt fully condemns these despicable acts that contradict all human values, I affirm that Egypt stands shoulder to shoulder with its brother Jordan in combating this sinful act and all forms of violence and terrorism.” ^【26】

Lebanon President Joseph Aoun stated that the “heinous terrorist attack” on the church violated the sanctity of death and those attending the funeral, and contradicted all religious and humanitarian values. Aoun conveyed condolences to King Abdullah II and the families of the deceased and affirmed Lebanon’s support for Jordan. ^{【15】 【24】}

United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack as “terrorist and criminal acts” and declared its rejection of all violence aimed at undermining security and stability. ^【25】

Palestine Presidential Office stated that targeting places of worship and civilians contradicts the principles of religions and will not succeed in dividing Jordanian society. ^【24】 Palestinian Deputy President Hussein al-Shaykh also condemned the attack. ^【16】

Iraq government stated that the attack “demonstrates that terrorism is a root of evil that the Iraqi people have previously endured and resisted with determination and strength,” and added, “This requires us to stand united against all voices threatening the security of our societies and undermining social peace.” ^【17】 Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein also condemned the attack. ^【16】

Bahrain affirmed its solidarity with Jordan and its support for measures to preserve security, combat terrorism, and ensure perpetrators face justice. Syria declared full solidarity with Jordan and rejected violence targeting religious communities. ^【24】 Oman and Qatar foreign ministries also condemned the attack. ^【16】

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the attack. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said at a daily press briefing, “I can confirm that the Secretary-General strongly condemns the terrorist attack targeting a funeral service at a church in Jordan.” He added, “The Secretary-General offers his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and prays for the swift recovery of the injured. It is evident that an attack on a place of worship, especially during a funeral, is particularly abhorrent. The Secretary-General also calls for the perpetrators to be identified and held accountable.” ^【13】

European Union (EU) Spokesperson for External Relations Anouar el Anouni issued a written statement condemning the attack and stating, “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during these difficult times.” The statement affirmed solidarity with the Jordanian people and government and full support for the security investigation conducted by Jordanian authorities. ^【13】

Estonia Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna said, “I was horrified by the deadly attack targeting people attending a funeral at a church in Kerek.” Tsahkna extended condolences to the families of the deceased, called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice, and affirmed Estonia’s solidarity with Jordan. ^【24】

United States of America (USA) Embassy in Jordan stated, “On behalf of the American people, we extend our deepest condolences to the victims and survivors of the terrorist attack carried out today at a church in Kerek, Jordan.” ^【17】 U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN Mike Waltz described the attack on social media as “an immoral and savage attack on a place of worship.” ^【29】

Christians constitute a minority of approximately 300,000 within Jordan’s population of approximately 11.5 million. ^【25】

In December 2016, Kerek was targeted in an attack claimed by the ISIS terrorist organization, which targeted civilians and security forces. Ten people were killed, including seven security personnel and a Canadian tourist, and 34 people were injured. Four members of the group were killed after being stationed at the historic Kerek Castle. ^【8】

On October 24, Jordan's Minister of Health, Ibrahim al-Budur, announced that the number of people killed in the attack had risen to eight. Al-Budur stated that one of the injured was in critical condition. It was also reported that Al-Budur confirmed two of the injured were in critical condition. The number of people wounded in the attack was reported as 40.

The U.S. Embassy in Amman announced that following the attack, security measures had been heightened across Jordan at shopping centers, foreign embassies, and various other locations. In a statement posted on its social media account, the embassy said, “We remind U.S. citizens that vigilance is always necessary and encourage them to follow updates from Jordanian authorities.” It called on U.S. citizens to remain “alert and cautious in places associated with the United States in the public eye.”

Jordanian authorities stated that as of October 24, 2026, they were continuing their search for the attackers. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. On the same day, police patrols were deployed in front of Hamud Church.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye issued a written statement regarding the attack. The statement strongly condemned the armed assault on the church, adding, “We extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the attack and to the people of Jordan, and we wish a swift recovery to the injured. In the face of this heinous attack targeting Jordan’s unity and peace, we reaffirm our solidarity with Jordan.”

The attack was also condemned by Saudi Arabia.