The manhunt for three gunmen accused of turning a Christian funeral into a scene of bloodshed is over.
Jordanian security forces have captured all three suspects believed responsible for the deadly attack on a Greek Orthodox church in the Karak governorate, according to CBS News.
Authorities arrested the suspects early Monday after tracking them to an abandoned house. But the men did not surrender quietly.
Authorities say the suspects put up fierce resistance, exchanging gunfire with security forces before all three were wounded and taken into custody. No security forces members were injured.
The Associated Press identified the men as brothers Hazzah Zaidan Mohammad and Mishal Zaidan Mohammad. Their brother-in-law, Ahmad Sami Hussein, was also involved. Authorities also reportedly recovered firearms, ammunition and a large cache of munitions from their hideout.
As Charisma previously reported, gunmen opened fire Friday on mourners gathered for a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church. What should have been a sacred moment of mourning quickly became a horrific scene as bullets tore through the gathering.
The death toll has now climbed to nine, with more than two dozen others wounded, according to CBS News and the AP.
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Authorities are now revealing more about the ideology allegedly driving the attackers.
Jordan’s public security chief described the suspects as “takfiri” militants, a term used for extremists who declare others apostates or unbelievers. However, authorities say the men have not been connected to an organized terrorist group.
For Jordan’s Christian community, the arrests bring accountability one step closer. However, they also show the chilling reality of what happened: Christians gathered to bury the dead suddenly found themselves fighting to survive inside a house of worship.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about Abby at abbytrivett.com.
