Canadian killed in shootout at Jordanian castle, other tourists held hostage

Police have freed 10 other people including foreign tourists, official says

JORDAN: A Canadian woman was killed and several other tourists were taken hostage by gunmen who holed themselves up in a medieval castle in southern Jordan on Sunday after killing at least four police officers in a shooting spree.

Police in the mountainous city of Karak freed 10 people, including foreign tourists, but some were still being held in the Crusader-era castle from where the gunmen shot at security forces who were surrounding it, a security source said.



The Canadian government confirmed one of its nationals had been killed. Police said the violence began when gunmen starting shooting at officers patrolling the town before entering the castle, perched on top of a hill.

Officials worry about radical Islam's growing profile in Jordan and support in impoverished areas for militant groups.