Jordanian Policeman Fatally Stabbed in 'Cowardly Terrorist Attack' in Amman

A Jordanian policeman has died and another was wounded following what authorities have termed a "cowardly terrorist attack" in the capital city of Amman on Thursday. The victim, Corporal Jawad Ali Khalaf Al Salayta, was reportedly attacked with a sharp object on Medina Street around 12:20 PM while on duty. According to a statement from the Public Security Directorate, a police patrol responded to the incident, apprehended the assailant, and arrested him. The officer leading the patrol sustained injuries to his face during the apprehension.

Corporal Al Salayta was transported to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries. The injured officer is reportedly in stable condition at the hospital. Preliminary investigations suggest the suspect had premeditated a terrorist act targeting Public Security Directorate personnel. Security agencies are currently interrogating the suspect. The directorate issued a statement mourning Corporal Al Salayta, emphasizing that he lost his life while serving his country.

This incident follows a deadly attack last month where nine Christians were killed and 34 injured when gunmen opened fire during a funeral service at St George’s Greek Orthodox Church in Karak governorate. Jordanian authorities subsequently arrested three men in connection with that attack. The church is located in the village of Hmoud, approximately 80 kilometers south of Amman. This was the most severe attack on Jordan’s Christian minority since the 1950s. Jordan's population of 11 million includes around 250,000 Christians. The nine victims of the church attack were all men, with several belonging to the prominent Halasah clan. Prosecutors have charged the suspects in the church attack with terrorism offenses, and the case has been referred to the State Security Court for trial proceedings.