Security guard dies in Amman attack near Sri Lankan Embassy
Jordanian authorities called the killing of an officer by a sharp object a terrorist act, with the suspect now in custody.
By Vincent Parker ·
A security officer died after an attacker struck him with a sharp object near the Sri Lankan Embassy in Amman, Jordan, on Thursday. Jordanian officials confirmed the suspect has been arrested and labeled the incident a terrorist act.
The Public Security Directorate stated that the officer was part of its forces. The agency reported that a preliminary investigation suggests the assailant intended to target members of the General Security Directorate. Al-Mamlaka TV, a state-run broadcaster, reported that the attacker tried to take the weapon from the officer who was killed. A second officer stepped in, and both that officer and the suspect suffered injuries.
The Sri Lankan Embassy verified that the violence occurred in its immediate vicinity but offered no further details. Jordanian government spokesperson Mohamed al-Momani posted on X that the prime minister is closely monitoring the security services' response to the event. He described the attack on on-duty personnel as an assault on the dignity of the state.
This incident follows a deadly shooting at a church funeral in southern Jordan earlier this month. Gunmen killed nine people and wounded dozens during that event. The new attack in the capital adds to a string of security challenges for the kingdom in recent weeks.
