Jordanian authorities have identified three men suspected of carrying out the deadly attack on a Greek Orthodox church in the Karak Governorate, revealing that the three suspects are members of the same family.
According to Jordan’s Public Security Directorate, the suspects have been identified as Ahmad Sami Hussein, born in 2001; Mishaal Zaidan Muhammad, born in 1995; and Hazza’ Zaidan Muhammad, born in 1987.
Jordanian security officials said the three men are related, with Hazza’ Zaidan Muhammad and Mishaal Zaidan Muhammad being brothers, while Ahmad Sami Hussein is their relative by marriage. The disclosure came after security forces arrested the three suspects following a confrontation at an abandoned house in the Al-Jadida area of Karak.
The development follows the deadly shooting at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church in Hamoud, near Karak, on Friday, October 23, during a funeral gathering. The attack left nine people dead and dozens more injured, according to the latest reports. The incident shocked Jordan, where violent attacks targeting the country’s Christian minority are relatively rare.
Jordanian security forces reportedly spent several days searching for the suspects before locating them at an abandoned building. According to officials, the men resisted arrest and opened fire on security personnel, leading to a prolonged exchange of gunfire. All three suspects were eventually arrested after being wounded. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the location. No security personnel were reported killed in the operation.
The arrests represent a major breakthrough in the investigation, which initially began after unidentified gunmen opened fire on mourners at the church. At the time, no individual or organisation had publicly claimed responsibility for the attack.
Jordanian authorities have described the suspects as holding extremist or “takfiri” beliefs. However, officials have stressed that there is currently no evidence linking the three men to another militant cell or organised group, and no organisation has officially claimed responsibility for the attack. Investigations into the motive and the extent of any wider network remain ongoing.
The incident has generated widespread concern because of its apparent targeting of worshippers and mourners at a Christian religious gathering. Jordan’s leadership has condemned the attack as an act of terrorism and pledged a strong response against those responsible, while authorities have emphasised the importance of preserving the country’s longstanding Muslim-Christian coexistence.
The identification of the suspects is therefore an important development, but it is also important to distinguish between being identified as suspects and being legally convicted. The investigation remains active, and further evidence will be required to establish the precise circumstances, motivation and individual roles of each suspect.
For now, Jordanian authorities say the three men arrested are believed to be responsible for the Karak church attack and that all three come from the same family.
The investigation continues as Jordan seeks answers over one of the country’s most serious recent attacks on its Christian community.
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