The attack started in the vicinity of Al-Karak where a group of unidentified militants ambushed emergency responders and then moved into the city, attacking police patrols and the local police station and finally seeking shelter in the historic Crusader-era Kerak Castle, a popular tourist attraction.

The terrorist group has threatened the country a number of times for its attacks against ISIL, proclaimed King Abdullah II an infidel, and declared their intentions to slaughter him.

Muath Al-Kasasbeh, a Jordanian fighter pilot who was born in Al-Karak, was captured by the Islamic State group when his plane went down in Syria in December 2014, and was later burned alive in a cage.

In retaliation to the murder of Al-Kasasbeh, Jordanian authorities expedited the execution of convicted terrorists Sajida Mubarak Atrous al-Rishawi and Ziad Khalaf Raja al-Karbouly by hanging in Swaqa Prison in February 2015.

The militants then attacked the local tourism police station before seeking shelter in the Crusader Kerak Castle just across the street, a popular tourist attraction.

A 22-year-old German interviewed added that "incidents could happen in any part of the world, and Jordan has managed to remain safe for the past years."

[19] Although political analysts acknowledged that Jordan faces greater security risks, they downplayed any effect of this incident on the country's long-term stability.

[20] The Financial Tribune reported on 18 January 2017 that the Jordanian tourism sector remained stable and that the Al-Karak attack did not affect tourist arrivals.

"[32] Church leaders in governorates across Jordan called for cancelling public Christmas celebrations, to express solidarity with the victims of the attack.

[33] On 16 March 2017, NGO Rebuild for Peace teamed up with residents of the Karak area to repair the damage done to the castle.