Jordan arrests three suspects after standoff at abandoned house

Three suspects were arrested by Jordanian security forces on Monday following a three-hour exchange of gunfire in the village of al-Jadeeda. The men are linked to the Friday assault on St George's Church in Hamoud, which killed at least eight people and wounded 34 others. Interior Minister Mazin al-Farrayeh confirmed the arrests at a press conference, stating that all three detainees are Jordanian nationals.

The Public Security Directorate reported that the suspects were hiding in an abandoned house. Officers located the men after raiding several locations and widening their search perimeter. When the suspects refused to surrender, they opened fire on the officers. State news agency Petra reported that firearms and ammunition were recovered from the hideout. Al-Farrayeh noted that one of the men was critically injured during the confrontation.

A senior security official told journalists that the three suspects belong to one family, including two brothers. Authorities said they found no ties to other armed groups. No organization has claimed responsibility for the church attack. Al-Farrayeh described the attackers as extremists with no relationship to humanity. He said the investigation continues and that everyone involved will be taken to justice.

The original attack occurred during a funeral procession at St George's Church. Armed men stormed the compound in the village of Hamoud, which is known for its medieval-era castle. Security camera footage shows three individuals shooting outside the church and running toward its entrance. Other videos show gunmen firing on a group of men trying to flee the building.

King Abdullah II addressed the National Security Council on Saturday. He ordered security forces to respond with an iron fist to the attack on the country's Christian minority. The King stated that the safety of Jordanians is a red line and that the hand of justice will reach every terrorist. Prime Minister Jafar Hassan declared three days of national mourning beginning Friday. Flags are at half-mast over government and public institutions.

The eight victims were buried in Karak on Sunday. A large crowd gathered for the funeral under heavy security. Coffins draped in Jordanian flags were carried through the mourners. Karak has a Christian community in a Muslim-majority kingdom where Christians make up between 2 percent and 3 percent of the population. Al-Farrayeh said on X that officials are examining the circumstances that push young people toward extremism.

Al-Farrayeh urged citizens to stay calm and reject violence. He said the tragedy would lead to practical measures to protect civilians. The ministry has not released the names of the three suspects. The search for additional individuals related to the attack is ongoing.