Security forces kill gunman following attack on police patrol in Amman's Rabieh neighbourhood

AMMAN — Minister of Government Communication and Government Spokesperson Mohammad Momani on Sunday described the shooting incident that occurred in Rabieh neighbourhood at dawn as a "terrorist attack against security personnel who were performing their duty."

Three police men were injured and one man, who is believed to be the suspect, was killed by police following a shootout, according to a statement by the Public Security Directorate (PSD).

PSD said earlier on Sunday that the incident unfolded after the suspect opened fire on a police patrol. Security units in the location located the armed individual, who attempted to flee subsequently engaged in a shootout with pursuing officers, prompting security forces to return fire in accordance with engagement protocols and kill the gunman, PSD said.

The Israeli embassy, which since October 7 has been empty of staff, is located in Rabieh.

"Jordan’s security and stability are red lines and no one will be allowed to tamper with it,” Momani said in a press statement.

 Tampering with the security of the country and assaulting public security personnel will be met with "uncompromising firmness" and in accordance with the law, Momani said, adding that any “criminal who attempts to do so will receive just retribution”.

The minister pointed out that the suspect who carried out the alleged attack had previous criminal records in illicit drugs and attacking security personnel.

"Jordan’s strength, resilience and stability are the solid foundation for supporting the nation's issues, foremost among which is the Palestinian cause," Momani added.

The PSD statement said that the suspect fired several rounds at a police patrol with a machine gun “with the intent of murdering who was inside it”.

The suspect also possessed several Molotov cocktail bottles, according to the PSD statement.

The PSD statement added that police officers responded with high professional standards to defend themselves and the area's residents.

The three police officers who were injured are being treated at a hospital and listed in stable condition, the PSD statement said.

Deputising for His Majesty King Abdullah, Royal Court Chief Yousef Issawi visited the injured police officers.

Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, accompanied by Interior Minster Mazen Faraya  and Director Maj. Gen. Obaidallah Maaytah also visited the injured police officers.

Momani said investigations are ongoing.