UAE Condemns Deadly Jordan Church Attack, Pledges Solidarity

The United Arab Emirates has issued a strong condemnation following a shooting incident at a church in Jordan that resulted in the deaths of seven people and left 34 others injured. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, who serves as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs for the UAE, conveyed the Emirates' solidarity with the Hashemite Kingdom during a phone call on Friday with Ayman Safadi, Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates.

During their conversation, Sheikh Abdullah unequivocally condemned the shooting and affirmed the UAE’s complete solidarity with Jordan. He reiterated the UAE’s support for Jordan's efforts to maintain its security and stability, as well as to protect the safety of its citizens, residents, and visitors. Sheikh Abdullah also extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and conveyed his best wishes for a swift recovery to those who were wounded.

In a separate statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs reinforced the nation's firm stance against terrorist and criminal acts, reiterating its unequivocal rejection of all forms of violence, extremism, and terrorism that seek to undermine security and stability. The ministry also offered its condolences to Jordan and its people, as well as to the families of the victims, and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The attack occurred during a funeral service at Hamoud Church in the Karak governorate, where assailants opened fire. Jordan’s Public Security Directorate reported that 27 individuals were receiving medical treatment in hospitals, while security forces were actively pursuing the attackers. King Abdullah II of Jordan characterized the incident as a terrorist attack and vowed to confront it with force, stating that the shooting would not compromise national unity. “Every Jordanian life is precious, and we will strike with an iron fist against those who dare to threaten our nation,” he declared.

According to a relative of one of the deceased who spoke to The National, the gunmen arrived in a vehicle and fired upon mourners before fleeing the scene. A witness quoted by Al Mamlaka TV stated that the shooting lasted for approximately five minutes. The witness also indicated that between 150 and 200 people were present in and around the church at the time, with most of the casualties being between the ages of 50 and 70. A video, purportedly from a security camera at the church and aired on Al Mamlaka, appeared to show three individuals firing from a pavement and taking cover behind trees and a low wall before advancing towards the church entrance.

A member of the Halasah family in Karak informed The National that three doctors were among those killed in the attack. “This was a direct attack on the church. Christians were the target,” the relative stated.