Jordan Court Sentences Three Terrorists to Death After Swift 11-Day Trial

A Jordanian state security court sentenced three terrorists to death by hanging following a swift trial that lasted only 11 days. The defendants were convicted for their roles in a mass shooting at a Christian church in southern Jordan that left nine people dead and dozens wounded. The rapid legal proceedings concluded less than a month after the attack, reflecting the kingdom's swift response to the tragedy.

The deadly assault took place on October 23 at the Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in the southern Karak Governorate town of Hamoud. Three armed assailants opened fire on attendees gathered for a funeral service inside the church, killing nine individuals and wounding 34 others. The perpetrators fled the scene but were tracked down three days later to an abandoned house in the same governorate, where they engaged in a shootout with security forces before being wounded and arrested.

Swift Legal Proceedings and Regional Fallout

The military prosecution filed indictments against five suspects on November 3, including the three primary shooters and two individuals accused of supplying the weapons. During the expedited trial, witnesses and victims' families positively identified the attackers, who participated via video link. Defense counsel noted that the convicts have 30 days to appeal the verdict.

In response to the church massacre, the Royal Jordanian Air Force launched retaliatory airstrikes in southern Syria on October 26, targeting positions linked to terrorist cells. Amman reported killing over 20 operatives, while Syrian authorities claimed civilian casualties and lack of prior coordination. The cross-border tensions subsequently led the two nations to establish a joint investigative committee on November 9 to address the fallout and compensation.