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A shooting at a church in the Jordanian city of Karak left seven people dead and 27 others wounded, Jordan's Public Security Directorate chief, Major General Obaidullah al-Maaytah, said at a press briefing with Interior Minister Mazen al-Farrayeh.

Farrayeh described the assault as a terrorist act carried out by an extremist group and condemned it, while King Abdullah II vowed a severe response. Local media reported that three armed attackers opened fire after stepping out of a car near the church.

Attack at the church

Local media reports said three armed people got out of a vehicle near the church and opened fire at random. More than 150 people were said to have been inside and outside the building at the time.

Jordanian television initially reported at least seven dead and 10 wounded in the church shooting. The later official figures announced by Maaytah put the number of injured at 27, all receiving treatment in hospitals.

Interior minister condemns the assault

Farrayeh said the attack was a terrorist act by an extremist group and denounced it. The minister said the assault "burned the hearts of Jordanian families" and that security units were working without interruption to apprehend the perpetrators.

"This cowardly terrorist act will further strengthen Jordanians' determination to reject violence and extremism and to confront every form of terror," Farrayeh said.

King Abdullah vows a severe response

King Abdullah II said in a statement posted on the social media account of the US-based company X that those behind "the terrorist act targeting Karak" would face the harshest punishment. Attempts to divide Jordanians with "bullets of betrayal" had failed in the face of the country's resolve and unity, the king said, adding that Jordanians from the north to the south of the country stood together.

Offering condolences to the families of those killed and wishing a swift recovery for the wounded, King Abdullah said the blood of Jordanians is precious and that "we will respond with an iron fist to anyone who reaches out against this country."

Blood drive and reporting ban

Karak Hospital, where the wounded were taken, issued an urgent call for blood donations. The Chief Public Prosecution imposed a publication ban on coverage of the incident after the attack.

Key takeaways

• Seven people were killed and 27 wounded in a shooting at a church in Karak, according to Jordan's Public Security Directorate chief.
• The Interior Minister described the assault as a terrorist act by an extremist group and said security forces were pursuing the perpetrators.
• Local media reported that three armed attackers fired at random after getting out of a vehicle near the church, where more than 150 people were present.
• King Abdullah II pledged the harshest punishment, while Karak Hospital called for blood donations and prosecutors imposed a publication ban.