Jordan marks 8th anniversary of deadly terrorist attack on Karak castle

On Dec. 18, Jordanians commemorate the brave souls lost in the 2016 terrorist attack on Karak Castle. This tragic event, etched into the nation's memory, claimed the lives of 10 individuals, including four police officers, three gendarmerie members, two civilians, and a Canadian tourist. Twenty-seven others, including security personnel and civilians, were injured.

The fallen heroes, whose sacrifice continues to inspire pride and respect, include Colonel Saed Al-Maaytah, Corporal Yazan Al-Sa’noun, Corporal Suhaib Al-Sawaeir, Sergeant Alaa Al-Naimat, Private Mohammad Al-Banawi, Private Salameh Al-Sharafat, and Officer Hakam Al-Harases. Civilians Ibrahim Al-Bashabsheh and Diaa Al-Shamayleh also lost their lives during the attack.

The Attack

The attack began in Qatraneh, Karak Governorate, where a local resident alerted authorities about a suspicious smell of gunpowder coming from a rented house. Security forces investigating the location were ambushed by the terrorists, resulting in injuries. The attackers then fled, stealing a civilian vehicle and heading toward Karak Castle.

Upon arrival, the assailants launched attacks on police patrols and a security station in Karak city, targeting both civilians and tourists. Security forces, including police and gendarmerie, quickly engaged in a gunfight that tragically claimed more lives. The terrorists ultimately fortified themselves inside Karak Castle, where the intense standoff ended with their neutralization.

Legal Proceedings

In May 2017, the State Security Court began prosecuting 11 individuals connected to the terrorist cell. Charges ranged from conducting terrorist acts leading to death, to manufacturing explosives for terrorism.

Later that year, the court tried the sister of one of the attackers on charges of promoting terrorist ideologies. Her sentence was reduced from three years to 18 months to encourage rehabilitation.

In 2019, two brothers, Khaled and Hamza Nayel Al-Majali, were sentenced to death by hanging as the masterminds behind the attack.

Legacy of Resilience

The Karak Castle attack remains a somber reminder of the sacrifices made to protect Jordan. Each year, the nation pays homage to its fallen heroes, ensuring their bravery and commitment to peace are never forgotten.