Jordanian security forces freed tourists trapped inside a medieval castle on Sunday after storming the building where armed men had taken shelter following a shoot-out with police. At least nine persons have been killed, security sources said. <br/><br/>A Canadian woman, three other civilians and five police officers were among the nine killed during the exchange of gunfire between the assailants and security forces. At least 29 people were taken to hospital, some with serious injuries, reports Reuters. <br/><br/>Police in the mountainous city of Karak had earlier 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.<br/><br/>Government Minister and spokesman Mohammad al-Momani told state television the manhunt to eliminate the gunmen had entered the last phase. The identity of the assailants was not immediately clear. The castle is one of the country's most popular tourist attractions.

Jordanian security forces freed tourists trapped inside a medieval castle on Sunday after storming the building where armed men had taken shelter following a shoot-out with police. At least nine persons have been killed, security sources said. <br/><br/>A Canadian woman, three other civilians and five police officers were among the nine killed during the exchange of gunfire between the assailants and security forces. At least 29 people were taken to hospital, some with serious injuries, reports Reuters. <br/><br/>Police in the mountainous city of Karak had earlier 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.<br/><br/>Government Minister and spokesman Mohammad al-Momani told state television the manhunt to eliminate the gunmen had entered the last phase. The identity of the assailants was not immediately clear. The castle is one of the country's most popular tourist attractions.