AMMAN — Jordan has vowed to intensify its fight against terrorism and extremism following two attacks in less than two weeks, including the killing of a police officer in the capital and a shooting at a church in Karak that left nine people dead and at least 40 others injured.

 

His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday reaffirmed Jordan's determination to confront threats to its national security, stressing that the Kingdom would not allow anyone to endanger its stability or harm its citizens.

 

During talks with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana, the King said Jordan would remain steadfast in confronting terrorism and extremist groups.

 

The King reiterated the message in his Speech from the Throne at the opening of the third ordinary session of the 20th Parliament, paying tribute to the victims of the terrorist attack in Karak and stressing that Jordan would not tolerate attempts to undermine its security or sovereignty.

 

“A few days ago, the treacherous hand of terror sought to test our state's resilience and our people's resolve. But we will not back down. We will not allow the terrorists, the khawarej, to undermine the security and unity of this nation. They have no place among us. They have no place in our great Jordanian family. They betrayed it. They have no place in our midst… not now, not ever,” the King said.

 

He also praised the Jordan Armed Forces – Arab Army and security agencies for their efforts to protect the Kingdom, describing their personnel as vigilant defenders who work around the clock to ensure the safety of Jordanians.

 

“This blessed land is defended by formidable soldiers whose unwavering vigilance, day and night, ensures that Jordanians rest secure in the certainty that they are always protected. Our brave Arab Army and security agencies put their lives on the line, vowing to ensure that Jordan’s defences remain impenetrable and its flag flies high and proud,” he added.

 

Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, meanwhile, mourned Corporal Jawad Salaytah, who was killed while performing his duty in Amman, describing him as a martyr who had sacrificed his life in service to the nation.

 

In a statement posted on social media, Hassan extended his condolences to Salaytah's family and relatives and wished a speedy recovery to his injured colleague, Lieutenant Firas Ananzeh.

 

“May God have mercy on Corporal Jawad Salaytah, the martyr of the nation and his duty,” the premier said.

 

No Image

 

Hassan stressed that Jordan's fight against terrorism and extremist groups would continue, pledging that the government would show no tolerance towards ideologies threatening the country's security and social stability.

 

He also vowed firm action against terrorist groups, their hideouts and anyone cooperating with them.

 

Minister of Government Communication and Government Spokesperson Mohammad Momani said attacks targeting security personnel while carrying out their duties constituted an assault on the state's authority, the rule of law and all Jordanians.

 

“The Kingdom's security and stability remain paramount, and the government will not tolerate any act targeting Jordan and its people,” Momani said.

 

He added that state institutions had the capacity to protect citizens and residents and firmly enforce the law against anyone who violated it.

 

Jordanians bid farewell to fallen officer

 

HRH Prince Feisal, the Regent, attended Salaytah's funeral on Friday, as thousands of Jordanians gathered to pay their final respects to the fallen officer.

 

The funeral prayer was held following Friday prayers at a mosque in Mushairfeh Al Shamaliah, before Salaytah was laid to rest in the town's cemetery in the Um Al Rasas District.

 

Police Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Amer Sartawi said Salaytah was stabbed while on duty on Madina Munawara Street at around noon.

 

“Salaytah was taken by surprise by a man who stabbed him with a sharp object,” Sartawi told The Jordan Times.

 

A patrol stationed in the area intervened and arrested the suspect, while one of the officers sustained a facial injury, Sartawi said.

 

Salaytah was rushed to a nearby hospital but died shortly after being admitted, according to the police spokesperson.

 

“We started questioning the suspect who confessed to plotting to carry out a terrorist attack against police officers,” Sartawi added.

 

The Public Security Directorate (PSD) mourned Salaytah, describing him as a martyr who had remained committed to his duty and the nation.

 

“We pray to God Almighty to encompass him in His vast mercy, to grant him a place in the highest reaches of Paradise alongside the martyrs and the righteous, and to bestow patience and solace upon his family and colleagues,” the PSD said in a statement.

 

No Image

 

Senior military officials, lawmakers, dignitaries and political party leaders attended the funeral, alongside large numbers of mourners. Some attendees recited poetry in tribute to the officer and called for a firm response to terrorism and extremism.

 

Authorities said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect had been planning an attack targeting security personnel. Prosecutors at the State Security Court have launched an investigation into the incident.

 

Calls grow for tougher measures

 

The Amman attack came less than two weeks after gunmen opened fire during a funeral at St. George's Greek Orthodox Church in Hmoud village in Karak, killing nine people and injuring at least 40 others.

 

Authorities described the shooting as a terrorist attack, prompting renewed calls for stronger security measures and intensified efforts to counter extremist ideology.

 

The trial of three suspects in the Karak shooting began at the State Security Court last week. The defendants face several terrorism-related charges, including nine counts of committing terrorist acts resulting in death.

 

The two incidents have reignited debate over the need to review existing legislation, address legal loopholes and introduce tougher penalties to deter terrorist acts and protect society.

 

Lower House Speaker Ibrahim Tarawneh said on Friday that the Chamber would work with the government to review existing laws, identify legislative gaps and strengthen measures to combat extremism.

 

Former prime minister and Senator Abdullah Ensour, who attended Salaytah's funeral, called for a broader cultural approach to tackling radicalism, including revising school curricula and promoting values of tolerance and moderation.

 

MP Saleh Armouti, of Islamist leaning, called for the implementation of the death penalty and tougher legislation to counter radicalism.

 

Experts have argued that combating terrorism requires a comprehensive approach extending beyond security measures to address the ideological and social factors that contribute to extremism.

 

They have called for greater public awareness, stronger national unity and accountability for those involved in terrorist activities, alongside measures to strengthen the country's ability to protect society.