Saudi leaders have expressed condolences to Jordan following a deadly church attack that killed nine people and injured at least 40. King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent messages to King Abdullah II, expressing solidarity with the victims’ families and the Jordanian people.
The Saudi leaders condemned the shooting, which occurred at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church in southern Jordan. The attack took place Friday in the village of Hamoud, where gunmen opened fire on mourners attending a funeral.
King Salman described the shooting as a criminal act and offered his sympathy to the Jordanian monarch. He also extended condolences to the families who lost loved ones and wished those injured a swift recovery.
Meanwhile, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman conveyed similar messages of support to King Abdullah II and the people of Jordan. He condemned the attack and expressed sympathy for those affected by the violence.
The messages came as Jordanian authorities continued investigating the incident and pursuing those responsible. On Saturday, officials confirmed that the death toll had risen to nine after two injured people died.
The shooting has raised serious concerns about security and public safety in the country. In response, King Abdullah ordered security forces to track down the perpetrators and carry out a comprehensive review of security measures.
Additionally, the Jordanian monarch called for action to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Authorities have continued searching for the assailants, although no group had claimed responsibility at the time of the report.
Jordan also declared three days of national mourning to honour those killed in the attack. The decision reflected the scale of the tragedy and the impact on families and communities affected by the shooting.
The church attack has drawn condemnation beyond Jordan, with several Arab countries and the United Nations expressing solidarity. International reactions have also included calls for those responsible to face justice.
Saudi Arabia’s response highlights the close ties between the two neighbouring countries and their expressions of support during moments of crisis. The messages also underscored the importance of standing with victims and their families following attacks on civilians.
As investigations continue, Jordan faces the task of identifying the attackers and establishing the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The authorities’ security review is expected to focus on the incident and measures designed to reduce the risk of further violence.
The deadly church attack remains a significant concern for Jordan, particularly as officials work to reassure the public and pursue accountability. Meanwhile, condolences from regional partners have reinforced expressions of solidarity with the country during national mourning.
