Police officer killed in knife attack in Jordan

A police officer was killed and another security officer injured in a knife attack in Jordan’s capital, Amman, AnewZ reported. Authorities are treating the incident as a suspected terrorist act.

The Public Security Directorate said the victim was Corporal Jawad Ali Khalaf al-Salayta, who was attacked on Tuesday on Medina Street in western Amman.

Security officials said the assailant wounded the police officer with a bladed weapon. A nearby police patrol intervened, and during the ensuing confrontation another security officer, who helped detain the suspect, sustained an injury to the face.

Al-Salayta was taken to hospital but later died of his injuries. The wounded officer was in stable condition and remained under medical supervision, officials said.

Jordanian security officials said preliminary investigations indicated that the attack had been planned in advance and targeted members of the country’s security services. Investigators are examining the suspect’s background and possible motives, while authorities continue to gather evidence.

Local media reported that the incident took place near the Sri Lankan Embassy. Police officers prevented the suspect from reaching the weapon of the officer who had fallen to the ground. Several bladed weapons, including two daggers, were reportedly recovered from him.

Government condemns attack

Government spokesman and Minister of Government Communication Mohammad al-Momani said Prime Minister Jafar Hassan was closely following developments and had ordered a swift determination of the circumstances surrounding the suspected terrorist act.

Al-Momani said an attack on security officers carrying out their duties was an attack on state institutions and the rule of law. The government pledged to take all legal measures against anyone found to have been involved.

The attack in Amman came less than two weeks after gunmen opened fire at a funeral held at a church in Karak province, killing nine people and wounding dozens. It was one of the country’s most serious recent security incidents. Jordanian authorities have not said whether the attack in Amman was linked to the assault on the church.

Following the killings in Karak, King Abdullah II said extremist groups would not be allowed to undermine Jordan’s security and national unity.

Security forces remain on high alert as investigators seek to determine whether the attack was carried out by a lone suspect or a wider network.