Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, Al Jazeera, The Associated Press, Deutsche Welle, France 24, CBS News
Footage of shooters moving towards the church.On October 23rd, nine people were killed and dozens more injured when gunmen opened fire during a Christian funeral service in Hamoud, a village located within the Karak governorate of Jordan. Video footage verifies that at least three assailants began shooting as they approached the church building. At the time of publishing this report, no group has claimed responsibility for the widely condemned attack. Jordan's national political leader, King Abdullah II, promised that those responsible for committing these crimes will face the "harshest penalties."
During a subsequent raid by the Jordanian military on October 26th, three suspected perpetrators of the funeral service shooting were consequently arrested. All three suspects were wounded during the operation; one of them sustaining critical injuries. The assailants, identified as two brothers and a relative by marriage, were referred to by governing officials as "Islamic extremists."
That same night, Jordanian forces carried out retaliatory strikes in southern Syria, specifically targeting locations they claimed were linked to Islamic State terrorists. While the military reports that more than 20 militants were killed in the strikes, it acknowledges the loss of civilian lives as well. Tragically, three children were among the list of casualties.
The Karak region is home to a significant community of professing followers of Christ. Although Islam is the official religion of Jordan, the country has generally been considered a safe place for its Christian minority.
To learn more about this Southwest Asian nation, visit our country profile.
Please uphold all those who have tragically lost loved ones in both recent attacks, praying that they will experience God's comfort, strength, peace and hope in the days ahead through the reassuring presence of the Holy Spirit.
Ask the Lord to also provide needed healing to the innocent civilians who were wounded during the attacks, restoring them both physically and emotionally as they recover from the traumatic incidents.
May the Lord also minister to the terrorists who were responsible for instigating the attacks by softening their hearts, drawing them to repentance, and eternally changing the trajectory of their lives.
Pray that the tensions resulting from these violent incidents will not escalate further and that God will ultimately bring about lasting peace and stability throughout the region.
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