Jordan remembers ‘Black Wednesday’ terror attack

AMMAN — Twelve years have passed since a group of extremists perpetrated terrorist attacks on three hotels in Amman on November 9, 2005, killing 60 innocent people and injuring 200, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Until today, Jordanians remember this massacre and are still standing united against terrorism. 

Using explosive belts, the terrorists targeted three hotels, first the hotel formerly known as Radisson SAS at 9:30 pm, followed by two other suicide bombings a few minutes later at the Hayatt Hotel and Days Inn. 

State Minister for Media Affairs Mohammad Momani reiterated Jordan’s holistic approach in combating terrorism in all its forms. He said that, despite the pain and anger carried by this anniversary in the hearts of Jordanians, the tragic event became a factor in increasing national cohesion to stand against terrorism.

Momani added that this terrorist act was an attempt to tarnish the image of Islam and disturb the state’s stability. He said that Jordan was and is still standing against terrorism, through its participation in the international coalition against terrorism. He pointed out that the Kingdom has adopted a holistic strategy to combat terrorism and extremism, based on the three pillars of military, security and ideology. 

Senate President Faisal Fayez condemned the cowardly act of terrorism, saying it will only increase Jordanians’ perseverance and firmness in the face of danger. He stressed that Jordan will remain an “indestructible fortress” and a “haven for security and stability”.

Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh pointed out that Jordan has repeated in various forums and international events its firm stance against terrorism. He added that the “Black Wednesday” witnessed by the capital has united Jordanians in supporting the security agencies without hesitation to fight against the evil of terrorism. 

Awqaf Minister Wael Arabiyat said the Hashemites are the carriers and protectors of the message of Islam, referring to the Amman Declaration, which outlined the values of tolerance, love, acceptance of the other and coexistence carried by the message of Islam.