A tragic shooting incident at a Shiite mosque in Muscat, Oman’s capital, has resulted in the deaths of at least six individuals, including an Indian citizen, with several others injured. The attack, described as a terrorist act, has drawn condemnation and sparked heightened security measures in the region.
The Indian embassy in Oman confirmed the death of one Indian national and the injury of another in the shooting at the Ali bin Abi Talib mosque in Muscat’s Al-Wadi Al-Kabir area. The incident, which occurred on July 15, has deeply affected the community of expatriates in Oman, where hundreds had gathered for prayers when gunmen opened fire.
According to the Royal Oman Police, three assailants were involved in the attack and were subsequently neutralized by security forces. The police statement indicated that among the casualties were a police officer and four Pakistani nationals. Additionally, 28 people sustained injuries, including paramedics and rescue personnel who responded to the scene.
Pakistan’s ambassador to Oman, Imran Ali, reported that the mosque was frequented by South Asian expatriates, with at least 400,000 Pakistanis residing in Oman. He described how worshippers were initially held hostage during the attack before being rescued by Omani security forces.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan expressed deep sadness over the incident, denouncing it as an act of terrorism and pledging full support for the investigation. The attack has triggered international reactions, with Iran condemning it as divisive and the United States embassy in Oman issuing a security alert, canceling visa appointments for the day.
As investigations into the tragic event continue, the incident underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by communities in Oman and the broader region. The international community remains vigilant in supporting Oman’s efforts to maintain peace and security amidst such acts of violence.
Sources By Agencies
