Six shot dead by rogue Jordanian police officer at training facility

Two Americans, a South African and three Jordanians have been shot dead by a police officer at a training facility in Jordan, according to a US official. The officer reportedly went on a shooting spree at the US-funded facility for training Iraqi and Palestinian security forces in Al Muwaqqar on the outskirts of the capital Amman. Reports suggest the police officer was shot and killed following the attack. Jordan, which is a staunch ally of the US, is home to several hundred US security trainers who form part of a military programme to bolster the country’s defences.

It is not yet known whether the shooting was because of a dispute between the policeman and the contractors.

An anonymous source quoted in the Jordan Times

A government spokesman, Mohammed Momani, said the assailant also wounded two other American instructors and four Jordanians before he was shot dead by police colleagues. US F16 fighter jets have been using Jordanian airfields to hit Islamic State positions in Syria and the kingdom’s role in the war has concerned some Jordanians who are worried this could lead to Islamist attacks in their country. In February, Jordan executed Iraqi would-be suicide bomber Sajida al Rishawi after Islamic State killed Jordanian pilot Mu'ath Al Kassasbeh.

Middle East Amman shooting