Amman, October 26 (Petra) At a joint press conference held Monday at the Ministry of Interior, Interior Minister Mazen Faraya, and Minister of Government Communications Mohammad Momani and Director of Public Security Major General Obeidallah Maaytah, stated that the arrest of individuals involved in the terrorist attack targeting a church in the town of Hamoud, in Al-Qasr District of Karak Governorate, does not mark the end of the case.

He said that investigations are ongoing and that technical evidence is being gathered to hold everyone involved in the crime accountable.

Faraya prayed for mercy for the nation's martyrs and a speedy recovery for those injured in the incident.

He noted that the nation has emerged from this event stronger and more reassured, knowing that the long arm of justice has reached the perpetrators of the terrorist attack.

He expressed his gratitude to the families of the martyrs and the injured, the residents of Hamoud and Jordanians for their honourable patriotic stance.

He also expressed appreciation for the security services, which confronted the terrorist threat with a high level of professionalism and successfully apprehended the suspects without suffering any casualties among their ranks, thank God.

Faraya cited His Majesty the King's visit to hospitals following the incident, where he met with the families of the martyrs and vowed, "we will show them," a pledge that has been fulfilled, as the suspects have been brought to justice.

Faraya stated that the security operation was carried out under difficult conditions, demonstrating the efficiency and professionalism of the security services in addressing the threat and apprehending those involved, with no casualties among the participating forces.

He added that the crime stemmed from an extremist terrorist ideology that requires a comprehensive response.

He called for coordinated efforts between state institutions and Jordanians to confront extremism, prevent the recurrence of such attacks and safeguard Jordan's security and stability.

He stressed that the country is now facing a new spirit that demands leaving no room for violence or extremism in Jordan.

Faraya underscored that the government remains committed to implementing a strategy to counter extremism and confront those who promote it through various channels, including social media platforms.

He reiterated that protecting the nation is a shared responsibility requiring the combined efforts of official institutions and society at large.

For his part, Minister of Government Communications Mohammad Momani offered condolences to the families of the martyrs and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

He noted that the solidarity demonstrated by the Jordanian people and their support for the bereaved families embody the authentic character of the Jordanian nation and the strength of its national unity, reflecting a shared belief that the suffering of any Jordanian is the suffering of the entire nation.

Momani said that the recent events mark a pivotal juncture in the national effort to eradicate extremism and takfiri ideology.

He pointed to the directives issued by His Majesty King Abdullah II during a meeting of the National Security Council to review policies for countering extremist ideology and eliminate its root causes through a systematic plan.

He further stressed that confronting extremism is a comprehensive and ongoing national responsibility requiring coordinated efforts by government, religious, educational, media and societal institutions.

He warned against engaging in discussions that fuel hate speech or incite division and discord among Jordanians.

He cautioned against turning a crime committed by individuals adhering to an extremist takfiri ideology into an opportunity to trade accusations or make sweeping generalisations about any segment of society.

He said that citizenship is not defined by religious or social affiliation and that extremist takfiri ideology will not be permitted to redefine relationships between Jordanians or undermine the common national ground that unites them under the umbrella of the state and the rule of law.

He added that terrorism must not be allowed to achieve through words what it failed to accomplish through its criminal acts.

Momani said that countering misinformation and rumors is a fundamental aspect of protecting society during crises.

He added that the government is committed to providing accurate and reliable information and commended the Jordanian media, including journalists and media professionals, for the professionalism, responsibility and discipline they demonstrated in covering the events.

He noted their respect for the privacy of the victims, both those killed and those injured and their families, as well as their ability to balance the public's right to know with the preservation of human dignity and adherence to professional ethics.

For his part, Director of Public Security Major General Obeidallah Maaytah announced the arrest of three individuals involved in the attack. He confirmed that investigations are ongoing to complete the case file, covering all details and legal aspects, in preparation for its referral to the judiciary.

Maaytah explained that the attack took place on Friday afternoon, resulting in the deaths of nine people and injuries to 34 others.

He noted that investigations began immediately after the report was received and involved various specialised security departments and units.

The investigation proceeded along two parallel tracks. The first involved criminal and intelligence work to gather information and evidence, while the second was a field operation focused on implementing emergency plans, cordoning off the area and tracking suspects’ movements using patrols and drones.

He added that raid teams spent three days searching the designated areas, eventually identifying and searching several abandoned houses.

During one of these searches, a team came under heavy fire from inside a house, prompting the officers to surround the building, apply the rules of engagement and secure the site.

He said that the operation resulted in the arrest of three individuals, all of whom sustained injuries and were subsequently taken to a hospital for treatment. A number of weapons and large quantities of ammunition were seized.

Maaytah identified the detainees as Hazza’ Zaidan Muhammad, whom he described as the mastermind behind the operation; his brother, Mish’al Zaidan Muhammad; and Ahmad Sami Hussein.

He indicated that they adhere to an extremist takfiri ideology, emphasising that they represent only themselves and do not reflect the views of the people of Karak Governorate or Jordanian society as a whole.

He affirmed that security agencies will continue their work to complete the investigations, gather evidence and hold all those found to be involved accountable.

He expressed appreciation for the support the Jordanian public has shown for the security services, stressing that Jordan will remain resilient against any attempts to undermine its security and stability.

Officials underscored that safeguarding the Kingdom’s security and stability is a shared national responsibility and that state institutions remain committed to confronting extremism and addressing any threats to social peace, all within the framework of the rule of law.

//Petra// AK