A Canadian woman is among seven people killed Sunday in Jordan as unknown gunmen fired at police officers at various locations, including an ancient castle popular with tourists.
Jordanian state television said four policemen, two Jordanian civilians and the Canadian woman were killed as gunmen fired at police in three areas. The shootout was still going on as of late Sunday afternoon.
The deadliest exchange of fire happened at the castle in the city of Karak. The site is now cordoned off by security officers who were still engaged with five or six gunmen, the Public Security Directorate said in a statement.
The violence began when a police patrol came under gunfire as it responded to a report in al-Qatranah, about 40 kilometers away from Karak. Two policemen were injured and the attackers fled in a vehicle, the statement said.
Shortly after, gunmen fired at another police patrol in Karak and then at a police station from inside the Karak fortress.
Reuters reported the gunmen had holed themselves up in the castle, citing police and security sources who said other tourists were believed to be trapped inside.
It is unclear who is behind the attacks.
Developing story – more to come