![Two Jordanian security personnel take part in a raid in Karak after a December 18th 'Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant' attack killed 10 people. [Photo courtesy of Karak Today Facebook page]](/cnmi_am/images/2016/12/28/6894-Jordan-Karak-security-700_496.webp)
Jordanians remain united in the aftermath of recent "Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant" (ISIL) terror attacks at a popular tourist destination, telling Al-Mashareq they are determined to escalate the war on terrorism.
More than 1,000 people took to the streets of downtown Amman on Friday (December 24th) to protest the deadly December 18th and 20th attacks in Karak and voice solidarity with security personnel, the Jordan Times reported.
Protesters performed the Friday prayer at al-Husseini Mosque and marched in the city centre, waving the Jordanian flag and carrying a huge banner showing photos of the security personnel who were killed in the recent attacks.
Similar marches and sit-ins were held around the kingdom on Friday.
Ten people were killed in the December 18th attack, claimed by ISIL , which targeted a tourist spot in Karak, including policemen and a Canadian tourist.
Later that day, joint security forces killed four ISIL attackers who had been holed up in Karak's historic castle following the attack, according to a joint statement issued by the General Security Directorate and the gendarmerie.
On December 19th, the interior ministry announced that suicide vests and other explosives had been found in the perpetrators’ hideout.
The following day, December 20th, gunmen killed four Jordanian police officers in an exchange of fire as they conducted a raid to hunt down terror suspects.
National outrage
In the aftermath of the attacks, Jordanians expressed their outrage and condemnation of ISIL and stressed the importance of standing with the security services.
Gunmen shot at anyone in the vicinity, including civilians and security personnel, said Karak resident Saeed Mbaydeen, who was near the castle during the December 18th attack.
"This terrorist group has nothing to do with religion," he told Al-Mashareq. "They are a group of barbarians who have no humanity."
Everyone was in a state of panic when the attack occurred, he said, adding that several locals came to the aid of the security forces.
"We all must stand united today as Jordan, in all of its components, is under attack, and we will not stand by as terrorists destabilise our country," he said.
Mohammed Nuaimat, who owns a shop near the castle, told Al-Mashareq that shops closed as a result of the heavy gunfire exchanged with the attackers.
"Today, we are mourning our heroic, innocent martyrs and will not allow terrorists to destroy our stability and safety," he said.
"We are all willing to be martyrs in defense of our country," he said, noting that Jordan has seen a number of terror attacks on its soil in 2016.
"This is proof that Jordan plays an active role in the fight against terrorism, and has dealt painful blows to terrorist groups," he said. "We demand more to be done to eradicate this evil that threatens all of humanity."
Jordan has been a target for terror groups due to its role in the fight against terrorism, Maj. Gen. Fayez al-Doueiri, a retired Jordanian military officer, told Al-Mashareq.
Jordan is a member of the international coalition against ISIL and has carried out air raids targeting the group.
Al-Doueiri called for increased efforts and collaboration to tackle terror groups and target sleeper cells.
