JORDAN: Mass Shooting Attack at Funeral Service

Source: International Christian Concern, Al Jazeera, The Associated Press, Deutsche Welle, France 24, CBS News, Voice of the Martyrs Canada, Voice of the Martyrs USA

On 23 October, nine people were killed and dozens more injured when gunmen opened fire during a Christian funeral service in Hamoud, a village located within the Karak governorate of Jordan. Many of the wounded are currently still hospitalised.

Video footage verifies that at least three assailants began shooting as they approached the church building. At the time of publishing this report, no group has claimed responsibility for the widely condemned attack. Jordan's national political leader, King Abdullah II, promised that those responsible for committing these crimes will face the "harshest penalties."

During a subsequent raid by the Jordanian military on 26 October, three suspected perpetrators of the funeral service shooting were consequently arrested. All three suspects were wounded during the operation; one of them sustaining critical injuries. The assailants, identified as two brothers and a relative by marriage, were referred to by governing officials as "Islamic extremists."

That same night, Jordanian forces carried out retaliatory strikes in southern Syria, specifically targeting locations they claimed were linked to Islamic State terrorists. While the military reports that more than 20 militants were killed in the strikes, it acknowledges the loss of civilian lives as well. Tragically, three children were among the list of casualties.

“This attack has deeply shocked the people of Jordan, especially the Christian community,” said a Front-Line Worker. “Among the injured are fellow Believers, ministry workers and members of families we personally know. This makes the tragedy especially painful and close to our hearts.” The Worker requested prayer for all who are grieving, for physical and emotional healing for the injured, for protection for churches, and for faith to prevail over fear. He added that when Jordan’s King Abdullah visited survivors receiving medical treatment, one courageous Christian told him, “This is our land. We will never leave.”

• Please uphold all those who have tragically lost loved ones in both recent attacks, praying that they will experience God's comfort, strength, peace and hope in the days ahead through the reassuring presence of the Holy Spirit.

• Ask the Lord to also provide needed healing to the innocent civilians who were wounded during the attacks, restoring them both physically and emotionally as they recover from the traumatic incidents.

• May the Lord also minister to the terrorists who were responsible for instigating the attacks by softening their hearts, drawing them to repentance, and eternally changing the trajectory of their lives.

• Pray that the tensions resulting from these violent incidents will not escalate further and that God will ultimately bring about lasting peace and stability throughout the region.