A shooting incident in the vicinity of a mosque in Oman's capital Muscat resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals and injuries of several others, marking a rare instance of violence in the Gulf nation.
Later in the day, a foreign media outlet reported that three individuals suspected of carrying out the attack were killed by security forces. Omani authorities said investigations were ongoing to determine the cause of the attack, and a search operation was underway to arrest any more elements involved.
The Omani authorities also claim that a policeman was among the victims, whose number they put to six. They claimed the number of injured was 28.
Pakistan's Ambassador to Oman Imran Ali told Samaa TV the attack struck the peaceful neighbourhood of Wadi al-Kabir in Muscat early on Tuesday morning, targeting an Imambargah where worshippers had gathered for religious observances. He said assailants opened fire from above the Imambargah, killing four people, including two Pakistanis, and injuring about 70 others, most of whom were Pakistani nationals.
He further said about 30 to 40 of the injured Pakistanis were undergoing treatment in hospitals. Ambassador Ali condemned the heinous act, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives and injuries sustained by innocent worshippers.
He said he personally visited three to four hospitals where the injured were being treated, ensuring that all necessary measures were in place for their care. He also advised Pakistani citizens in Oman to remain safe indoors.
Later, the death toll of Pakistanis in the incident was raised to four. As per the Foreign Office spokesperson, four Pakistanis had been killed in the attack, while another 30 Pakistanis were under treatment in hospitals.
"This cowardly attack on the Imambargah in Wadi al-Kabir is an assault on humanity and the values of peace," he stated solemnly.
In response to the emergency, the Pakistan Embassy in Oman has swiftly established an Emergency Response Center and dispatched teams to coordinate relief efforts.
"Emergency protocols are in effect at Khaula Hospital, Nahda Hospital, and Royal Hospital to provide optimal medical attention to those affected by this tragedy," he assured. He further emphasized the embassy's continuous coordination with local authorities and healthcare facilities to facilitate the best possible care for the injured.
Additionally, the embassy has set up blood donation camps across various locations to meet the urgent need for blood supplies. Ambassador Imran Ali urged Pakistani nationals in Oman to remain vigilant and assured them of the embassy's full support and readiness to assist during this challenging time. He added that “all Pakistanis residing in Oman are requested to cooperate with the authorities”.
Video shows people fleeing
The video from the scene shows people fleeing near the Imam Ali Mosque, its minaret visible. Gunfire rang out followed by a voice saying, “Oh God!”
Omani police said they are taking “all necessary security measures and procedures … to handle the situation”. The initial casualty count was given as four individuals killed and several injured.
“The authorities are continuing to gather evidence and conduct investigations to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident,” police said on social media platform X.
There were no identified motives or potential suspects in the attack. A state of emergency has been declared in the vicinity.
Following the shooting, the US Embassy in Muscat issued a security alert following the shooting and cancelled all visa appointments on Tuesday.
“US citizens should remain vigilant, monitor local news, and heed directions of local authorities,” the embassy wrote on X.
An attack of this nature is uncommon in Oman, a frequent regional mediator with a low crime rate. During the Muslim occasion of Ashura, Shia Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (A.S.), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), on the battlefield in the seventh century.
Numerous Shia commemorate Ashura by undertaking a pilgrimage to Imam Hussain's shrine in the Iraqi city of Karbala. Sunni Muslims commemorate the occasion by fasting.
