Indian National Among Victims In Oman Mosque Shooting That Claimed 6 Lives, Another Injured

A shooting near a Shiite mosque in Muscat, Oman, has resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including an Indian national, and nearly 30 injuries.

A shooting near a Shiite mosque in Muscat, Oman, has resulted in the deaths of six individuals and nearly 30 injuries. The Embassy of India in Oman confirmed that one Indian national has lost his life, while another has sustained injuries. The Embassy expressed its sincere condolences and assured its readiness to assist the affected families.

"Following the shooting incident reported in Muscat city on 15 July, Foreign Ministry of Sultanate of Oman has informed that one Indian national has lost his life & another is injured. Embassy offers its sincere condolences & stands ready to offer all assistance to the families," a post by the Indian Embassy read.

According to news agency AFP, the police gave a toll of six killed, including a police officer. It was further informed that 28 people "from various nationalities" were injured, including rescuers and paramedics.

Muscat Mosque Attack

The Royal Oman Police released a statement noting that the shooting took place on Monday night in the Wadi Kabir neighbourhood of Muscat. Authorities have not disclosed any motive or suspects involved in the attack, according to news agency AP. The state-run Oman News Agency reported that three attackers were killed and 28 people of various nationalities were wounded in the incident.

The attack occurred on the eve of Ashoura, a significant day in the Islamic calendar commemorating the 7th-century martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Hussein, a pivotal event in Shiite Islam. 

This level of violence is notably unusual for Oman, a nation on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula. The U.S. Embassy in Oman has advised its citizens to avoid the area.

Pakistan’s government reported that four of its nationals were among the dead, and 30 others were injured. In a statement, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the "dastardly terrorist attack on Imam Bargah Ali bin Abu Talib" mosque. Additionally, the government expressed relief that Omani authorities had neutralised the attackers and offered support in ensuring justice was served.

Iran's foreign ministry also condemned the attack. Iran, a Shiite theocracy, expressed its solidarity with the victims and denounced the violence.