Jordan: Al-Karak Incident Marks a Historic Turning Point to Intensify Efforts to Eradicate Extremist Ideology

Al-Momani: Citizenship is not measured by religious or social affiliation, and no Jordanian needs to prove the authenticity of their belonging to their country.

Al-Faraiya: The arrest of the terrorists was targeted and took place under difficult conditions... with no indications linking them to other cells.

Government Communications Minister and official government spokesperson Mohammad Al-Momani stated on Monday that the recent events constitute a historic turning point in the efforts to end extremism and takfiri ideology in Jordan, emphasizing that the campaign to eradicate takfiri thought and extremism across various sectors is ongoing.

Al-Momani, during a joint press conference with Interior Minister Mazen Al-Faraiya and Director of Public Security Lieutenant General Obaidalla Al-Maayta, noted that King Abdullah II’s directives during the National Security Council meeting to review counter-extremism policies and dry up their sources within a systematic plan underscore that confronting extremism is a comprehensive and continuous national responsibility. He pointed out that this responsibility is shared by government, religious, educational, media, and community institutions.

He clarified that protecting society is not limited to confronting violence, but begins with addressing the ideas that justify it and the discourses that grant it acceptance or cover.

He stressed that combating misinformation and rumors is an essential part of protecting society during crises, as misleading information can sow fear, weaken trust, and open the door to incitement, emphasizing the government’s commitment to providing accurate and reliable information.

Al-Momani warned against sliding into discussions that fuel hate speech or invite division and discord among Jordanians, adding that it is unacceptable for a crime committed by individuals with extreme takfiri ideology to become an occasion for exchanging accusations or generalizing against any component of society.

He stressed, “We must not allow terrorism to achieve through words what it failed to achieve through crime.”

He noted that citizenship is not measured by religious or social affiliation, and no Jordanian needs to prove the authenticity of their belonging to their country, adding that the government will not allow extreme takfiri ideology to redefine the relationship between Jordanians or undermine the national common ground that unites them under the umbrella of the state and the rule of law.

He affirmed that Jordanians, through their cohesion, unity, and solidarity with the grieving families of the martyrs, presented a scene reflecting the true character of this people, their authenticity, and their rejection of hatred and division.

He said this solidarity embodies the belief that the tragedy of any Jordanian is the tragedy of all, and that national unity is firmly entrenched and cannot be shaken by terrorism.

For his part, Jordanian Interior Minister Mazen Al-Faraiya stated on Monday that security forces arrested the three terrorists who carried out the attack in Karak Governorate, with no casualties among the security forces, noting that the arrest operation was targeted and took place under difficult conditions.

Al-Faraiya added during the press conference that arresting the perpetrators does not mean the end of the work, emphasizing that the state is proceeding with completing investigations and uncovering all circumstances of the crime, and holding accountable anyone proven to be involved in planning, incitement, assistance, or facilitation, in accordance with the law.

He stated that the state will not allow any involved party to escape legal accountability.

Al-Faraiya mourned the martyrs of the attack, condoling their families, King Abdullah II, and the Jordanian people, saying, “The hand of justice has reached the perpetrators of this heinous terrorist crime, and the blood of our martyrs will not go to waste.”

He noted that the King, during his visit to the victims in the hospital, pledged to deal firmly with the perpetrators of this act and hold all those involved accountable. He added that the success of the security operation confirms that the King’s directives are being translated into concrete actions on the ground, and that the Jordanian state does not compromise in protecting the lives of its citizens.

Al-Faraiya extended his gratitude and appreciation to the security agencies, institutions, and personnel who contributed to the success of the operation, praising their efforts which began from the very first moment the crime occurred, and highlighting the professionalism, efficiency, and high level of coordination they demonstrated.

Director General of Public Security: Al-Karak crime was premeditated

For his part, Jordanian Director General of Public Security Major General Obaidallah Al-Maaytah stated that the Al-Karak crime was not premeditated, clarifying that the three individuals were behind the funeral procession and made the decision to commit the crime.

Al-Maaytah added during the press conference that this stemmed from the convergence of their thoughts due to their ideological makeup, their deviation from the right path, and their adoption of extremist and terrorist ideologies.

He clarified that the three individuals left the site in a single vehicle, which was seized, and that the connection between the individuals and the vehicle was also secured.

He said that a number of weapons and a large quantity of ammunition were seized from the three terrorists after the firefight with them.

Al-Maaytah explained that raiding teams continued for the past three days to systematically search designated areas until shortly after midnight on Sunday, when one of the villages was divided into sectors and several abandoned houses were identified, in preparation for their search and clearance by specialized teams.

He added that a wide geographical area encompassing several villages, along with rugged mountainous regions and valleys, was identified, and necessary measures were taken to isolate the area and secure its perimeter through the establishment of checkpoints, patrolling, and the use of drones, ensuring the encirclement of the terrorists.

He continued that the operation resulted in gaining control of the building and arresting the three terrorists, who were all injured. They were transported to the hospital and remain under treatment, with interrogations to commence immediately.

He emphasized that investigation procedures began immediately following the crime along two tracks; the first focused on criminal and proactive investigation, gathering information and evidence from the crime scene, while the second concentrated on enhancing the efficiency of emergency response, apprehension, and systems, as well as conducting sweeps and interventions to track the terrorists’ movements and routes.

He noted that reliance is placed on a wealth of available information, sourced from numerous individuals who are convinced that this nation must remain an oasis of security and stability. He affirmed that Jordan will remain impervious to anyone who dares to threaten its security.