Jordan Security Officer Killed Outside Sri Lankan Embassy in Amman

COLOMBO (News 1st); A Jordanian security officer assigned to protect the Sri Lankan Embassy in Amman was killed in a suspected terrorist attack on Thursday (5).

The officer, identified as Corporal Jawad Ali Khalaf Al-Salaita of Jordan’s diplomatic security unit, was fatally stabbed while on duty outside the Sri Lankan Embassy in the Sweifieh area of the capital. Authorities said the attack occurred shortly after noon on Medina Al-Munawwara Street, one of west Amman’s busiest thoroughfares, in full view of passers-by.

According to Jordan’s Public Security Directorate, Al-Salaita was taken by surprise when a man armed with sharp weapons launched the assault. Despite being rushed to hospital, the officer later succumbed to his injuries.

Investigators described the incident as a “cowardly terrorist act”, revealing that preliminary findings indicate the suspect had been planning to target security personnel. Jordanian authorities said the attacker attempted to seize the officer’s firearm following the stabbing, but was stopped when another security officer intervened.

The second officer engaged the attacker in a struggle, preventing him from obtaining the weapon. Both the officer and the assailant were injured during the confrontation. Officials said the wounded officer remains in stable condition, while the suspect was taken to hospital in critical condition after being arrested at the scene.

Security sources said the attacker, born in 1994, allegedly stabbed Al-Salaita in the neck while he was inside a guard booth protecting the embassy. Investigators reportedly recovered multiple bladed weapons from a bag carried by the suspect, prompting the deployment of police units, counterterrorism teams and bomb disposal specialists to the area.

Reports from Jordanian media indicate that the suspect had previously been convicted on terrorism-related charges and had served prison sentences for joining extremist groups and conspiring to carry out attacks inside Jordan. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the suspect acted alone or if others may have been involved.

Following the attack, security forces sealed off a large section of Medina Al-Munawwara Street as forensic teams and investigators gathered evidence. The State Security Court has since opened a formal investigation to determine the motive, circumstances and any possible links to wider extremist networks.

The Sri Lankan Embassy confirmed that the attack occurred in its immediate vicinity but did not provide further details, reported Jordanian media.

Jordanian leaders swiftly condemned the attack. Government spokesperson Mohammad Al-Momani described it as an assault on the state, the rule of law and all Jordanians, stressing that authorities would show zero tolerance for anyone targeting the country’s security forces.

Prime Minister Jafar Hassan was reported to be closely monitoring developments and instructed officials to quickly establish the motives behind the attack and take all necessary legal action.

King Abdullah II, who was on an official visit abroad, also followed the investigation and reiterated Jordan’s commitment to combating terrorism and extremism. In a statement, the monarch declared that the kingdom “will not waver in its fight against terrorism and extremism”, emphasizing that those seeking to undermine Jordan’s security would not be allowed to threaten the nation’s stability.

Prince Feisal, serving as Regent during the King's absence, visited the injured officer at the King Hussein Medical Centre and extended condolences to the family of Corporal Al-Salaita, praising the sacrifices made by Jordan’s security personnel in protecting the country.

The stabbing comes only weeks after another deadly attack shook Jordan when gunmen opened fire during a funeral at a church in the southern city of Karak, killing nine people and injuring dozens. Authorities classified that incident as a terrorist attack as well, though officials have not indicated whether there is any connection between the two cases.