The shooting took place on the eve of Ashoura, a significant day of remembrance for the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Hussein, which is observed during the Islamic month of Muharram, one of the holiest months for Shiite Muslims.
In a tragic incident, a shooting by multiple attackers at a Shiite mosque in Oman resulted in the deaths of six people and left many others injured, including a police officer, authorities said on Tuesday (July 16). The Royal Oman Police confirmed that the attack took place on Monday night in the Wadi Kabir neighborhood of Muscat, the capital city. The statement did not provide any details regarding the motive or the suspects behind the attack.
BREAKING: Five people were killed and several others were injured in a mosque shooting in Oman capital Muscat, according to police. pic.twitter.com/VLKFRxha1i
— World Times (@WorldTimesWT)A shooting near Imam Ali Mosque in Wadi al-Kabir, Oman, killed at least four and injured several others during a major religious event. Two Pakistani nationals among the deceased. Investigations ongoing. pic.twitter.com/zys36hTXnd
— Pakistani Index (@PakistaniIndex)🔴 “The Royal Oman Police responded to a shooting incident near a mosque in the Al-Wadi Al-Kabeer area, which resulted in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to several others according to initial information. All necessary security measures and procedures have been taken… pic.twitter.com/viFcECuQuX
— omaspire (@omanspire)The state-run Oman News Agency reported that three attackers were killed during the incident and noted that 28 people of various nationalities were wounded. The shooting took place on the eve of Ashoura, a significant day of remembrance for the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Hussein, which is observed during the Islamic month of Muharram, one of the holiest months for Shiite Muslims.
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The Pakistani government said that four of its nationals were among the dead and 30 were injured. A statement from Pakistan's information office expressed gratitude to the Omani government for neutralizing the attackers and offered assistance in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Iran's foreign ministry also condemned the attack. Iran, a Shiite theocracy, expressed solidarity with the victims and called for swift action against those responsible.
The US Embassy in Oman issued a warning to its citizens to avoid the area following the attack. This incident of violence is highly unusual in the sultanate, located on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, and has shocked the nation.