A Canadian tourist and several security officers are among at least 10 people who died after gunmen opened fire at a Crusader castle in southern Jordan Sunday. The attackers took refuge in the castle after firing on a police patrol, state-run media say. More than 20 people were reportedly injured.
Four gunmen were killed by security forces, reports the Jordan Times, after an hours-long operation to free people trapped in the castle.
The attack happened in Karak, where tourists often visit the ruins of the castle built in the 12th century. According to Jordan’s Public Security Department, armed men initially injured two police officers in a shootout at a house near the city before driving to the castle, where the most intense violence occurred.
“Special forces surrounded the castle on a hill to try to free tourists trapped inside. It said police officers also came under fire in two separate attacks in the city,” NPR’s Jane Arraf reports for our Newscast unit. “Jordan is normally calm but has had several shootings of security forces and recently U.S. military trainers blamed on Islamist extremists. No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks.”
The Karak Castle was once part of the line of Crusader castles that ran from Aqaba to Turkey. According to the Jordanian government, “The city was the ancient capital of Moab, and was also used by the Greeks and Romans.”
You want to know what is really going on these days, especially in Colorado. We can help you keep up. The Lookout is a free, daily email newsletter with news and happenings from all over Colorado. Sign up here and we will see you in the morning!
Colorado Postcards are snapshots of our colorful state in sound. They give brief insights into our people and places, our flora and fauna, and our past and present, from every corner of Colorado. Listen now.
Join us for these upcoming events!
It takes a good day’s drive to cover Colorado, but we’ll help you do it in a few minutes. Our newsletters bring you a closer look at the stories that affect you and the music that inspires you.