India condemns deadly church attack in Jordan, reaffirms commitment to fight terrorism

India on Saturday strongly condemned a deadly attack at a church in Jordan's southern governorate of Karak that killed seven people and injured 34 others, expressing solidarity with the Jordanian government and its people and reaffirming its commitment to fighting terrorism.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the incident as a heinous attack that had claimed innocent lives and left several others injured. It extended condolences to the victims' families and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish a swift recovery to those injured in this cowardly attack. We also reaffirm our strong commitment to the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," the MEA said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also expressed shock over the attack, which took place during a funeral in Karak.

"Deeply shocked at the heinous attack at a Church in Karak, Jordan yesterday, which resulted in the tragic loss of several innocent lives and injuries to many others. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish a swift recovery to those injured," Jaishankar said in a post on X.

He added that India stood firmly with the Jordanian government and people during the difficult time and reiterated New Delhi's commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms.

Jordan Orders Investigation Into Attack

According to the Jordanian Public Security Directorate, the shooting took place during a funeral in the southern governorate of Karak on Friday. Seven people were killed and 34 others injured.

A spokesperson for the directorate said the attack had been carried out by unidentified individuals and that investigations were proceeding intensively.

Jordan's King Abdullah II described the incident as a "terrorist attack" in a post on X, saying it would be met with the harshest retaliation, Xinhua news agency reported.

Minister of Government Communication Mohammad Al-Momani said Prime Minister Jafar Hassan would chair a meeting in Karak to oversee the authorities' response to what he called a "heinous terrorist crime".

UN Chief, Egypt Condemn Attack

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also strongly condemned the attack on Friday, stressing that violence against civilians and places of worship was unacceptable.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, Guterres said places of worship must remain places of peace and be safe for everyone.

He called for those responsible to be identified and brought to justice, while extending his deepest condolences to the victims' families and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

"The United Nations stands with the government and people of Jordan," Dujarric said.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi also conveyed his condolences to King Abdullah II and the Jordanian people over the deaths.

Describing the incident as a "treacherous terrorist attack", Sisi said Egypt strongly condemned the violence.

"Egypt fully condemns these horrendous acts, which violate all human values," he said in a statement issued by the Egyptian Presidency.

(With IANS inputs)