A gunman opened fire near a mosque in Oman’s capital Muscat, killing four people. All the deceased are Pakistani nationals. Many people were injured in this incident.
The attack took place in Wadi al-Kabir, east of Muscat, during a major religious ceremony by Shia Muslims in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
According to a statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, 30 Pakistani citizens are among the injured. The terrible terrorist attack on Imam Ali Mosque has been condemned at this time. Pakistan’s ambassador to Oman visited the hospital and met the injured. All Pakistani nationals in Oman are urged to cooperate with the authorities. Security at the US Embassy in Muscat was heightened after the incident and all visa appointments were canceled on Tuesday.
After the incident, all necessary security measures have been taken to control the situation, Oman Police said. In a post on social media X, the police said that authorities are continuing to collect evidence and investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. A motive for the attack or possible suspects have not been identified. A state of emergency has been declared in the area after the incident.
In recent years, there have been attacks on mosques in various countries in the Middle East, but this type of attack in Oman is unprecedented. Moreover, on the day of Ashura, such incidents have caused public concern. Sunnis are the majority in the Muslim-majority country.
This year, two Shia mosques were attacked within a week of each other in Saudi Arabia. At least 25 people were killed in these two attacks. The international terrorist organization IS also claimed responsibility for this attack.
This year, two Shia mosques were attacked within a week of each other in Saudi Arabia. At least 25 people were killed in these two attacks. The international terrorist organization IS also claimed responsibility for this attack.
