2016 Karak attack

Shootings in Al-Karak, Jordan December 2016 2016 Al-Karak attack Jordanian-Syrian border conflict Kerak BW 1.JPG 200px The Kerak Castle, where the main phase of the attack took place. Jordan Al-Karak, Jordan 18–21 December 2016 15:00 (AST) Shootings 19 killed (including 5 attackers) 37 Security forces, civilians ISIShttp://ici.radio-canada.ca/breve/77713/letat-islamique-revendique-lattentat-de-karak-en-j L'État islamique revendique l'attentat de Karak, en Jordanie fr Radio-Canada.ca 20 December 2016 On 18 December 2016, a series of shootings took place in the city of Al-Karak in southern Jordan. The attack started in the vicinity of Al-Karak where a group of unidentified militants ambushed emergency responders and then moved into the city, attacking police patrols and the local police station and finally seeking shelter in the historic Crusader-era Kerak Castle, a popular tourist attraction. Severe fog at noon hampered police operations. After an attempt by the Jordanian gendarmerie to besiege the castle, the five attackers were killed following the arrival of the elite Jordanian 71st Special Battalion. Although tourists were present, Jordanian authorities stated that there was no hostage situation; tourists were in a different part of the castle and were unable to leave. Around a third of the casualties were for Jordanian security forces. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack against the "apostate Jordanian security forces".https://arabic.cnn.com/middleeast/2016/12/20/urgent-isis-claims-sundays-jordan-attack ببيان منسوب داعش يتبنى هجوم الكرك في الأردن ar CNN Arabic 20 December 2016 21 December 2016 Terror attacks are rare in Jordan; the country is designated as safe and holds 58th out of 130 in the 2016 Global Terrorism Index. Background Military intervention against ISIL Islamic Military Alliance Jordanian intervention in the Syrian Civil War Jordan is a leading member of the US-led coalition fighting against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group in neighbouring Iraq and Syria. It has carried out air strikes targeting ISIL fighters and hosts coalition troops on its territory. The terrorist group has threatened the country a number of times for its attacks against ISIL, proclaimed King Abdullah II an infidel, and declared their intentions to slaughter him. Muath Al-Kasasbeh, a Jordanian fighter pilot who was born in Al-Karak, was captured by the Islamic State group when his plane went down in Syria in December 2014, and was later burned alive in a cage. In retaliation to the murder of Al-Kasasbeh, Jordanian authorities expedited the execution of convicted terrorists Sajida Mubarak Atrous al-Rishawi and Ziad Khalaf Raja al-Karbouly by hanging in Swaqa Prison in February 2015.https://books.google.com/books?id=wgTjBwAAQBAJ&pg=PT160 Islamic State: The Digital Caliphate Abdel Bari Atwan 18 December 2016 4 May 2015 9780863561016 Attack right|200px|thumb|A street in Al-Karak (2010) On 18 December 2016, a series of shootings took place in the city of Al-Karak in southern Jordan. The attack started 15:00 (AST) in the vicinity of Al-Karak where a group of unidentified militants ambushed emergency responders who were dispatched to a false fire call, before moving into Al-Karak. The militants then attacked the local tourism police station before seeking shelter in the medieval castle just across the street, a popular tourist attraction. The castle was later besieged by Jordanian Gendarmerie forces, who believed a number of tourists were being held hostage inside.Jordan attack: Canadian among five dead in Karak shooting BBC 18 December 2016 https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38358309 18 December 2016 Reinforcements from Amman included the 71st Special Battalion, who killed four terrorists and ended the attack by midnight.Canadian killed in shootout at Jordanian castle, other tourists held hostage Reuters 18 December 2016 http://reuters.com/article/idUSKBN1470GG?il=0 18 December 2016Deadly shootings hit police, tourists in Al-Karak Al Jazeera 18 December 2016 https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/12/jordan-police-patrols-attacked-al-karak-161218131120902.html 18 December 2016 Jordanian authorities stated that there was no hostage situation, but that tourists were in a different part of the castle and were unable to leave.Security officers end deadly Karak castle siege 18 December 2016 Al Jazeera https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/12/police-deadly-al-karak-castle-siege-161218184824131.html 18 December 2016 Following the standoff between the security forces and the gunmen, many other tourists who were trapped during the shootout decided to hide in the castle. Jordanian Interior Minister Salameh Hammad also told reporters that the attackers were not aware of the presence of the tourists, thus concluding that the tourists were not hostages but instead were hiding from the gunmen to cover themselves from the shootout.Tourists from Canada, U.K., Malaysia hid in Jordan castle during deadly gunfight Associated Press The Japan Times 20 December 2016 https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/12/20/world/tourists-canada-u-k-malaysia-hid-jordan-castle-deadly-gunfight/ 20 December 2016 During the attack, videos posted on social media showed Jordanian civilians, including young people and tribal leaders, taking arms and joining the security forces trying to locate the attackers.Cache of Weapons Suggests Gunmen in Jordan Were Planning Multiple Attacks 19 December 2016 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/19/world/middleeast/karak-jordan-terror-attack.html?_r=0 23 December 2016 Casualties Eleven Jordanian security forces, two Jordanian civilians, and a Canadian tourist were killed during the attacks, while 34 Jordanians, two Malaysians, and one Canadian were injured.Jordanians say Karak attack only makes them stronger in face of terrorism 20 December 2016 The Jordan Times https://jordantimes.com/news/local/jordanians-say-karak-attack-only-makes-them-stronger-face-terrorism 20 December 2016 Four police were later killed in a manhunt, and five attackers were killed in total. A man was also arrested.Suspect of funding attack held – 4 policemen killed in new shootout MENAFN.com http://menafn.com/1095134358/Suspect-of-funding-attack-held---4-policemen-killed-in-new-shootout 25 May 2018 + Casualties by nationalityCountryDeathsInjured Jordan 13 34 Canada 1 1 MalaysiaSerangan di Karak, Jordan ms Embassy of Malaysia in Jordan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia 19 December 2016 http://www.kln.gov.my/web/guest/press-release/-/asset_publisher/FCk0/content/press-release-:-serangan-di-karak-jordan?redirect=%2Fweb%2Fguest%2Fpress-release 21 December 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20171012081426/http://www.kln.gov.my/web/guest/press-release/-/asset_publisher/FCk0/content/press-release-:-serangan-di-karak-jordan?redirect=%2Fweb%2Fguest%2Fpress-release 12 October 2017 dead 0 2Total 14 37 + Jordanian casualtiesSecurity forces announce elimination of Karak terror cell 20 December 2016 The Jordan Times https://jordantimes.com/news/local/security-forces-announce-elimination-karak-terror-cell 20 December 2016StatusDeathsInjured Public Security Directorate 6 11 General Directorate of Gendarmerie 3 4 71st Special Battalion 2 2 Civilians 2 17Total 13 34 Aftermath A number of manhunts were initiated across the kingdom in pursuit of suspected members of the terror cell. King Abdullah paid a visit to the wounded at the King Hussein Medical Center.https://jordantimes.com/news/local/authorities-crack-down-suspected-terrorists-karak-other-areas Authorities crack down on suspected terrorists in Karak, other areas 21 December 2016 23 December 2016 The Jordan Times A report by (majority government-owned) The Jordan Times published in the day following the attack published interviews with tourists who visited the country the day of the attack. Interviewed tourists were quoted saying they were happy to be in Jordan despite the attack.https://jordantimes.com/news/local/tourists-happy-be-jordan-despite-karak-attack Tourists happy to be in Jordan despite Karak attack 21 December 2016 23 December 2016 The Jordan Times However, experts warned of a potential slump in tourism, which Jordan's economy depends largely on. Figures from the World Travel & Tourism Council show that tourism indirectly accounted for 20.7% of the GDP, and around 288,500 jobs in 2015. Any slump would exacerbate unemployment and poverty in the country. Despite Jordan being designated as safe and holding 58th out of 130 countries in the Global Terrorism Index in 2016, which measures impact of terrorism on countries, Jordan's tourism industry witnessed a downfall trend since 2011 due to regional instability. Furthermore, the Jordanian economy is already struggling with the effects of the flow of 1.4 million Syrian refugees since 2011.https://www.forbes.com/sites/dominicdudley/2016/12/18/jordan-terrorist-attack-in-karak/#329e79904d79 Jordan Braces Itself For Tourism Slump After Terrorist Attack In Karak Forbes 21 December 2016 23 December 2016 On 22 December, Karak's Tourism Director announced that tourist activities had returned to normal in the city.https://jordantimes.com/news/local/security-personnel-killed-karak-raid-laid-rest Security personnel killed in Karak raid laid to rest 21 December 2016 23 December 2016 The Jordan Times 47 out of 130 representatives of the Jordanian Parliament presented a motion of no confidence against Salameh Hammad, the Minister of Interior. The MPs accused Hammad of inadequately handling the attack; the motion was supposed to be discussed on 13 January.http://khaberni.com/more-182625-1-%D8%AC%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%A9%20%D8%AD%D8%AC%D8%A8%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AB%D9%82%D8%A9%20%D8%B9%D9%86%20%D8%AD%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%AF%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AB%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AB%D8%A7%D8%A1 جلسة حجب الثقة عن حماد الثلاثاء Khaberni ar 23 December 2016 21 December 2016 23 December 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161223170718/http://www.khaberni.com/more-182625-1-%D8%AC%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%A9%20%D8%AD%D8%AC%D8%A8%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AB%D9%82%D8%A9%20%D8%B9%D9%86%20%D8%AD%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%AF%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AB%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AB%D8%A7%D8%A1 dead The motion was not discussed, as the Minister was replaced by Ghaleb Zu'bi in a government reshuffle on 15 January.http://jordantimes.com/news/local/cabinet-reshuffle-sees-5-new-ministers-7-out Cabinet reshuffle sees 5 new ministers in, 7 out The Jordan Times 15 January 2017 15 January 2017 Although political analysts acknowledged that Jordan faces greater security risks, they downplayed any effect of this incident on the country's long-term stability.http://globalriskinsights.com/2016/12/2016-review-jordan-remains-stable/ Trends of 2016: Despite a neighborhood on fire, Jordan remains stable 27 December 2016 27 December 2016 Global Risks Insight The Financial Tribune reported on 18 January 2017 that the Jordanian tourism sector remained stable and that the Al-Karak attack did not affect tourist arrivals.https://financialtribune.com/articles/people-travel/57643/jordan-tourism-stable-despite-militant-attacks Jordan Tourism Stable Despite Militant Attacks 18 January 2017 18 January 2017 Financial Tribune The Jordan Times reported on 13 March 2017 that tourist arrivals to Jordan almost doubled during the first two months of 2017, a change from the downward trend of the past few years.https://jordantimes.com/news/local/january-february-tourism-revenues-16-cent-%E2%80%94-ministry January–February tourism revenues up by 16 per cent — ministry The Jordan Times 17 March 2017 13 March 2017 15 European Union ambassadors visited the castle on 16 March 2017 in a show of solidarity. Andrea Fontana, the EU ambassador to Jordan, called on European nationals to visit Al-Karak saying that "this visit of solidarity with Karak residents shows that Jordan is a safe country".https://jordantimes.com/news/local/eu-ambassadors-visit-karak-show-support EU ambassadors visit Karak in show of support 17 March 2017 16 March 2017 The Jordan Times Reactions International United States – Spokesperson of the State Department, John Kirby said, "We offer our deepest condolences to all the victims and their families, and recognise the bravery of the Jordanian security personnel who died protecting their fellow citizens. We extend our hope for a full and speedy recovery to all the wounded." "The United States remains steadfast in our commitments to Jordan, one of our closest allies and partners. Such attacks only reinforce our collective resolve to create a more secure and stable region and world", he added.http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-us-condemns-terrorist-attack-in-jordan-2284407 US condemns terror attack in Jordan Daily News and Analysis (DNA) 19 December 2016 21 December 2016 Bahrain – The government of Bahrain expressed its support to Jordan and stressed the need for an international effort to eradicate terrorism.http://www.hala.jo/2016/12/18/%D8%A5%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%84%D9%84%D9%87%D8%AC%D9%88%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D8%B1%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%8A-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%B1%D9%83/ إدانات عربية للهجوم الإرهابي في الكرك Hala Akhbar 18 December 2016 18 December 2016 arSeptember 2018 InternetArchiveBot yes Canada – Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, John Babcock, expressed his government's deepest condolences over the terrorist attack's victims and to the friends and family of the Canadian citizen, who was killed in the incident.http://en.ammonnews.net/article.aspx?articleno=33561#.WFlgI06wrqB Canada condemns Karak terrorist attack Ammon 18 December 2016 21 December 2016 Israel – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the terrorist attack by saying, "On behalf of the people and government of Israel, I strongly condemn yesterday's terrorist attack in Jordan," he says. "We send our sympathies to the families of the victims and wish the wounded a speedy and full recovery," he added.https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/netanyahu-condemns-jordan-attack/ Netanyahu condemns Jordan attack The Times of Israel 19 December 2016 21 December 2016 Kuwait – Emir Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent his condolences to King Abdullah II and expressed his country's grief and condemnation to the attack.https://royanews.tv/news/110010/20161218 18 December 2016 18 December 2016 الكويت تعزي بشهداء الكرك ar Ro'ya Palestine – The Palestinian National Reconciliation Government expressed its solidarity with Jordan and said what happened in the southern city of Karak constitutes a heinous crime that represents the forces of evil and darkness' mentality.http://www.petra.gov.jo/Public_News/Nws_NewsDetails.aspx?Site_Id=1&lang=2&NewsID=282112&CatID=13&Type=Home&GType=1 https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20171012081425/http://www.petra.gov.jo/Public_News/Nws_NewsDetails.aspx?Site_Id=1&lang=2&NewsID=282112&CatID=13&Type=Home&GType=1 dead 12 October 2017 Palestinian Gov't condemns Karak terrorist attack Petra (Jordan News Agency) 18 December 2016 21 December 2016 Saudi Arabia – Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud sent a cable of condolences to Jordan's King Abdullah II following the news of the terrorist act. According to Saudi Press Agency, he expressed sadness for the news and the resulting casualties, condemned this criminal act and wished the injured speedy recovery.http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2016/12/19/Saudi-Arabia-condemns-deadly-Jordan-terror-attack-.html Saudi Arabia condemns deadly Jordan terror attack All Arabia English 19 December 2016 21 December 2016 United Arab Emirates – UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation statement underlined the UAE firm position in rejecting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, calling for strengthening teamwork, consolidating international cooperation and collaborating all efforts directed to eliminate terrorist organizations that threaten the security and stability of the world.http://petra.gov.jo/Public_News/Nws_NewsDetails.aspx?Site_Id=1&lang=2&NewsID=282115&CatID=13&Type=Home&GType=1 https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20171012081306/http://petra.gov.jo/Public_News/Nws_NewsDetails.aspx?Site_Id=1&lang=2&NewsID=282115&CatID=13&Type=Home&GType=1 dead 12 October 2017 UAE denounces Karak terrorist attack Petra (Jordan News Agency) 18 December 2016 21 December 2016 Local King Abdullah II during a meeting at the National Center for Security and Crisis Management with the government stated "we will respond firmly to all those who threaten or attempt to tamper with the security of our country".https://jordantimes.com/news/local/jordan-will-respond-firmly-security-threats-%E2%80%94-king Jordan will respond firmly to security threats — King 21 December 2016 23 December 2016 The Jordan Times Church leaders in governorates across Jordan called for cancelling public Christmas celebrations, to express solidarity with the victims of the attack. Church bells rang in the cities of Fuheis and Karak, mourning the victims of the attack.https://jordantimes.com/news/local/church-leaders-call-christmas-celebrations-mourn-karak-attack-victims Church leaders call off Christmas celebrations to mourn Karak attack victims 21 December 2016 23 December 2016 The Jordan Times On 16 March 2017, NGO Rebuild for Peace teamed up with residents of the Karak area to repair the damage done to the castle. At the event, people also made commemorative and symbolic gestures to the victims and their families.Dye Theodore The Karak Castle Rebuild March 21, 2017 https://www.rebuildforpeace.org/single-post/2017/03/21/The-Karak-Castle-Rebuild 22 March 2017 Rebuild for Peace Blog See also 2005 Amman bombings List of terrorist incidents in December 2016 Jordan References 30em Category:2016 in Jordan Category:December 2016 crimes in Asia Category:Islamic State terrorist incidents in 2016 Category:2016 mass murders Category:Mass shootings in Jordan Category:2016 crimes in Jordan Category:2010s murders in Jordan Category:Terrorist incidents in Jordan in the 2010s Category:Attacks on police stations in 2016 Category:Massacres in Jordan Category:21st-century mass murders in Asia Category:Ambushes in Asia Category:Attacks on tourists in Asia Category:Tourism in Jordan Category:2016 mass shootings in Asia Category:Attacks on police stations in Asia Category:Attacks on castles in Asia Category:Karak Governorate Category:2010s sieges Category:Islamic State terrorist incidents in Asia Category:Military operations involving Jordan Category:Attacks on military installations in 2016