US trainers are in Jordan to train security forces (file)
US trainers are in Jordan to train security forces (file)Reuters

A Jordanian police officer has shot and killed two American civilian instructors and a South African man at a training facility for Iraqi and Palestinian Authority forces near Amman.

The shooter was shot dead by fellow police after carrying out the attack at the American-funded Jordan International Police Training Center (JIPTC) in Muaqar, on the eastern outskirts of the Jordanian capital, a security source told Reuters.

Earlier reports claimed the shooter had killed himself.

Two other Americans and four Jordanians were wounded.

The motive for the attack has not yet been confirmed, but terrorism does appear to be the most likely option.

Hundreds of US trainers are known to be in Jordan as part of international efforts to fight ISIS in Iraq and Syria. While the Jordanian government has staunchly supported those efforts, fearing the jihadist advance on its borders, Islamists within the Sunni Muslim country firmly oppose it. 

Jordanian government spokesman Mohammad Momani branded the shooting a "crime," and the US Embassy said it was in touch with Jordanian officials who were keeping them updated.

The attack came on the same day as the 10th anniversary of the deadly bombings of three hotels in Amman by Al Qaeda, which left 50 dead and scores more wounded.