Authorities said nine people were killed in an attack on a Shiite mosque in Oman, including three attackers, in a rare security breach in one of the Middle East’s most stable countries.
According to Pakistani and Omani authorities, four Pakistani citizens and a policeman were among those killed in the gun attack.
According to authorities, 28 people of various nationalities were injured, including security forces.
The Pakistani Foreign Ministry said the attack took place in the Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque.
According to a local source, it is also known as Imam Ali Mosque, a Shiite place of worship.
The Pakistani ministry described the incident in the Wadi al-Kabir district of Oman’s capital Muscat as a “terrorist” attack and said 30 injured people were in hospital.
My deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies go out to the families of the four Pakistani nationals killed in the heinous terrorist attack on Imam Bargah Ali bin Abu Talib in Muscat, Oman. I strongly condemn this cowardly attack and killing of Muslims in the holy month… — Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) July 16, 2024
The attack occurred as Shiite Muslims observed Ashura, an annual period of mourning to commemorate the death of Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, in the 7th century.
In some countries, the festival of Ashura has led to sectarian tensions between Sunnis and Shiites, but this was not the case in Oman.
Police have not said whether they have identified a motive or whether there have been any arrests in connection with the attack.
“We are encouraged that the Government of Oman has neutralized the attackers,” the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Pakistan’s ambassador to Oman visited victims of the attack in hospital, according to a video the embassy posted on X.
The US Embassy in Muscat said it was monitoring reports of the incident.
“US citizens should remain vigilant, monitor local news and follow the instructions of local authorities,” it said in a statement.
Oman maintained its neutrality in the troubled region and mediated in disputes, including between the United States and Iran.