A shooting occurred at a mosque in Wadi al-Kabir, a district east of Muscat, the capital city of Oman. The incident took place during a significant religious event for Shia Muslims.
Video footage captured the chaotic scene near the Imam Ali Mosque, with people fleeing as gunshots echoed and a voice cried out, “Oh God!”
Four Pakistanis lost their lives and at least 30 others sustained injuries. The foreign ministry in Islamabad confirmed the casualties and praised Omani authorities for swiftly neutralising the gunmen responsible for the attack.
“Pakistan strongly condemns this dastardly terrorist act,” the ministry stated. “We appreciate Oman’s decisive response.”
Omani police are actively investigating the incident, gathering evidence to understand the circumstances surrounding the attack. No motive or potential suspects have been identified yet. As a precautionary measure, a state of emergency has been declared in the area.
Imran Ali, Pakistan’s ambassador to Oman, visited hospitals to meet with the wounded, urging cooperation from all Pakistanis residing in the country.
The US Embassy in Muscat issued a security alert, advising American citizens to remain vigilant, monitor local news and follow directions from local authorities.
Oman, known for its role as a regional mediator, rarely experiences such violence. The attack occurred on the Muslim day of Ashura, a solemn occasion when Shia Muslims commemorate the seventh-century martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. While Shia Muslims often perform a pilgrimage to Imam Hussein’s shrine in the Iraqi city of Karbala, Sunni Muslims observe the day through fasting.
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