The Indian government has condemned a tragic attack on a Greek Orthodox church in Jordan, which resulted in the deaths of eight individuals and injuries to numerous others. This incident occurred on October 23, 2026, in the village of Hammoud, located in the Karak governorate. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement expressing its condolences and solidarity with the Jordanian government and its people during this difficult time.

In its statement, the MEA remarked, “India unequivocally condemns the heinous attack at a Church in Karak, Jordan, which resulted in the tragic loss of several innocent lives and injuries to many others.” The ministry extended heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this incident and wished for a swift recovery for those injured.

Furthermore, India reaffirmed its commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also conveyed his condolences, expressing sorrow for the victims and their families. The Indian government’s response highlights its ongoing support for Jordan, particularly in the face of such violent acts.

Details of the Attack

The attack unfolded during a funeral procession at the church, where gunmen reportedly opened fire on attendees. Health Minister Ibrahim al-Bdour confirmed that the death toll rose to eight on Saturday, following the demise of one critically injured victim. In addition to the fatalities, 26 individuals remain hospitalised, with one person still in critical condition, according to reports from local health authorities.

Jordanian Interior Minister Mazen al-Faraya characterised the shooting as a terrorist act, stating that security forces are actively pursuing those responsible. He emphasised that a terrorist group had committed this horrific act, which has drawn widespread condemnation. The minister assured the public that security services are working tirelessly to apprehend the perpetrators.

King Abdullah II visited the injured at a hospital in Karak and also condemned the attack. He stated on social media platform X that the shooting would be met with the “harshest retaliation,” indicating a firm stance against such acts of violence.

National Mourning and Community Impact

In response to the attack, Prime Minister Jafar Hassan declared three days of national mourning starting from Friday. During this period, flags will be flown at half-mast over government and public institutions as a mark of respect for the victims. This gesture reflects the gravity of the situation and the collective grief experienced by the nation.

Karak is known for its significant Christian community, which exists within a predominantly Muslim country where Christians constitute between two and three per cent of the population. This attack has raised concerns about the safety and security of minority communities in Jordan, further complicating the socio-religious landscape of the region.

The incident has sparked discussions about the ongoing challenges posed by terrorism and violence in the area. As the Jordanian government seeks to address these issues, the support from international partners, including India, remains crucial in the fight against extremism and in promoting peace and stability within the region.

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