Jordan will not allow terrorists to undermine its security and unity, King Abdullah says

King Abdullah II reaffirmed Jordan's commitment to its security and unity on Monday, in response to a deadly terrorist attack on a church last month. The assault left nine Christian victims and 34 wounded. Speaking to parliament, the king vowed Jordan would remain "unyielding against any brutal aggressor" and "formidable in the face of anyone who chooses to ignore its history."

Three suspects were arrested in connection with the attack. King Abdullah dismissed the terrorists as "outlaws" who do not belong to Jordan, emphasizing the nation's rejection of the perpetrators. The attack was the deadliest against Jordan's Christian minority since the 1950s, with Christians comprising about 250,000 of the kingdom's 11 million population.

The slain individuals were all men, some of them prominent members of the Halasah clan. King Abdullah stressed that the victims' blood would remain a "debt" Jordan bears and urged parliament to observe a moment of silence in remembrance. The king highlighted Jordan's resilience, attributing it to the national spirit that becomes more united and perceptive during adversity.

He placed faith in Jordanians' awareness, wisdom, and loyalty when facing hardship. The king called for accelerated implementation of economic projects to boost the national economy and maintain Jordan's pivotal regional role. He also underscored water security as a national priority, vowing Jordan would not let water access become a bargaining chip for any party.