6 Killed, 28 Injured in Oman Mosque Attack
In a rare act of violence in the Gulf nation, not less than 6 people have been found dead and 28 others wounded in a shooting at a mosque in Oman.
The attack took place in Wadi al-Kabir, a district east of the capital city Muscat, during a major religious event for Shia Muslims.
Four Pakistanis and a policeman were among the fatalities, and at least 28 others were injured, according to Pakistani and Omani authorities.
Omani police announced today that three gunmen involved in the attack were killed, and officers have "concluded the procedures for dealing with the shooting." There has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.
“Pakistan strongly condemns the dastardly terrorist attack. We are heartened that the government of Oman has neutralised the attackers,” Pakistan’s foreign ministry said in a statement.
Pakistan’s ambassador to Oman, Imran Ali, visited hospitals and met with the wounded, an embassy statement said, adding, “all Pakistanis residing in Oman are requested to cooperate with the authorities”.
The US Embassy in Muscat issued a security alert following the shooting. “US citizens should remain vigilant, monitor local news, and heed directions of local authorities,” the embassy wrote on X.
Such an attack is rare in Oman, a country known for its low crime rate and frequent role as a regional mediator. The incident occurred during Ashura, a significant day for Shia Muslims who commemorate the seventh-century martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.
Many Shia Muslims mark Ashura by making a pilgrimage to Imam Hussein's shrine in Karbala, Iraq, while Sunni Muslims observe the day through fasting.
Read also: J. D. Vance: What You Should Know about Trump’s Running Mate
