Queen Rania offers condolences to family of Sergeant Loay Zyoud

AMMAN - Her Majesty Queen Rania visited the bereaved Zyoud family in Zarqa on Wednesday, whose son, Sergeant Loay Zyoud, was killed in a terror attack against the General Intelligence Department’s office in Ain Al Basha, north of Amman, on Monday.

The Queen expressed her deepest sympathies to Zyoud’s mother, for suffering an immeasurable loss.

Queen Rania visited each of the family homes of the other four victims, offering her deepest sympathies and support to the families after the tragic incident, which shook the nation on the first day of Ramadan.

The four other slain security officers and employees were Corporal Hani Qaaideh, Corporal Omar Hiyari, Private Ahmad Harahsheh and Lance Corporal Mahmoud Awamleh.

On Monday morning, Queen Rania commented on the attack via her official Twitter account saying: "at the start of the month of giving and mercy, a despicable act of terror has taken the lives of five of Jordan's sons. We offer our condolences to the nation, and call on God to grant the families of the martyrs of duty patience and relief."

The Queen has repeatedly spoken out against violent acts perpetrated by terrorists, and has highlighted her gratitude towards those who have dedicated their lives to defending the nation, and keeping its citizens safe.

Earlier this year, Queen Rania published a video on Facebook to mark Mother’s Day and Al Karama Battle, commemorating the important battle and the “sacrifices made by our soldiers in honour of our country,” while paying tribute to the mothers of Jordanian soldiers.

The shooting attack happened at the intelligence offices located near Baqaa Refugee Camp.

The government said Monday’s attack was an isolated and individual act. It said the primary suspect had been arrested on Monday evening.

On Tuesday, His Majesty King Abdullah reiterated his confidence in the army and security agencies, praising their pivotal role in protecting Jordan’s stability and security, and expressing his condolences over the death of the five men.

The attack, which took place on the morning of the first day of Ramadan, Islam’s holiest month of the year, drew wide international condemnation.