Jordan's King Abdullah has reportedly ordered security forces to respond firmly and relentlessly pursue those allegedly behind a deadly church attack in the Karak governorate. The incident, which left eight people dead and 40 others wounded, has prompted serious concerns regarding stability within the US-allied kingdom.

According to the American embassy in Amman, security has been visibly increased across shopping malls, foreign embassies, and various critical locations nationwide as authorities continue their ongoing manhunt for the perpetrators. Official sources noted that no group has immediately claimed responsibility for the assault, while the Petra News Agency announced a three-day period of national mourning.

The attack took place on Friday afternoon when assailants reportedly opened fire during a funeral service at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, situated roughly 120km southwest of the capital, Amman. Jordanian authorities were quick to label the bloodshed as an "act of extremist terrorism," though independent verification of the motives remains limited.

King Abdullah visited Karak hours after the tragedy, claiming that the culprits would be met with an "iron fist." Meanwhile, Prime Minister Jafar Hassan allegedly stated via social media that the violence stemmed from a "terrorist ideology and blind extremism," though critics point out that such recurring security lapses highlight ongoing vulnerabilities in the region.

Source: www.aljazeera.com