jordan pulse -

By Dr. Mohsen Fayez Abu Awad
AMMAN — In the wake of the abhorrent terrorist crime that targeted a church in the village of Hammoud in Karak Governorate, claiming the lives of innocent citizens and leaving others injured, His Majesty King Abdullah II articulated an uncompromising national stance: there is no room for leniency when it comes to the safety and lives of Jordanians, and the long arm of justice will undoubtedly reach every terrorist.
The King’s leadership in chairing a high-level meeting of the National Security Council, attended by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, to review ongoing investigation updates underscores that safeguarding citizens and preserving national security remain absolute priorities. The state proceeds resolutely to pursue perpetrators and hold accountable anyone who supported or justified the crime under the rule of law.
Targeting the church is not merely an assault on our Christian brethren, but an attack on Jordan in its entirety. Muslims and Christians are steadfast partners in the homeland and destiny, bound by an enduring national identity and a deep-rooted history of coexistence and harmony. The desperate schemes of terrorism and takfiri ideology will fail utterly in shattering this relationship or sowing discord among members of a unified society.
His Majesty’s directives extend well beyond immediate security responses, encompassing the enhancement of security readiness, the critical review of counter-extremism policies, the eradication of radical roots in coordination with religious authorities, the robust containment of rumors and misinformation, and the unwavering reinforcement of state prestige and the rule of law. These measures affirm that confronting terrorism demands resolute security measures, societal awareness, and intellectual counter-strategies that prevent such atrocities from recurring.
At this critical juncture, a profound national responsibility rests upon all citizens to reject rumors, refrain from falling into the traps of hate speech, and allow competent authorities to complete their investigations without interference. Righteous public outrage over this crime must serve to fortify our national unity rather than provide an entry point for division or mutual accusations.
Terrorists have consistently wagered on fear and fragmentation, yet they confront a resolutely cohesive Jordan united across its leadership, people, and institutions. Karak, alongside all governorates of the Kingdom, remains an authentic pillar of a homeland unshaken by criminal acts and immune to attempts at sowing sectarian strife.
May God bestow His mercy upon the martyrs, grant a swift recovery to the injured, protect Jordan under its Hashemite leadership and resilient people, and preserve the enduring blessings of security, safety, and national unity against all challenges.