UPDATE - Death toll from church attack in Jordan rises to 9
- King Abdullah II has ordered comprehensive security assessment of attack on mourners at Greek Orthodox church in Karak
UPDATES DEATH TOLL, CHANGES DECK
By Laith al-Jnaidi, Serdar Dincel and Rania Abushamala
AMMAN, Jordan / ISTANBUL (AA) - The death toll from Friday’s attack on mourners attending a funeral at Hamoud Church in Jordan's southern Karak governorate has risen to nine, the state news agency (Petra) said Saturday.
“The death toll from the terrorist act in Karak has risen to nine after one of the wounded died,” Petra reported, citing Jordan Public Security.
Earlier on Saturday, Health Minister Ibrahim al-Badour told Al-Mamlaka TV: "One of those injured in the terrorist act remains in critical condition."
Jordan’s King Abdullah II on Saturday ordered a comprehensive security assessment in response to the attack on mourners at the Greek Orthodox church, in addition to a review of policies to combat extremist ideology, and measures to strengthen security preparedness and prevent similar attacks.
On Friday, Jordanian Public Security Director Obaidallah Maaytah said that seven people were killed and 27 others wounded in the attack in the village of Hamoud.
Following the incident, Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan ordered three days of nationwide mourning beginning Friday, Oct. 23.
Hassan also directed that flags be lowered to half-staff at ministries, government departments and public institutions during the mourning period.
Rania R.a. Abushamala