ISIS Claims Responsibility for Mosque Attack in Oman

Photo : AFP

In a rare and tragic incident, six people, including four Pakistanis, were killed and nearly 30 others injured in a shooting near a Shiite mosque in Muscat, the capital of Oman, on Monday. The attack, which has been claimed by the Islamic State (ISIS), occurred in the Al-Wadi Al-Kabir area as Shiites marked Ashura, a significant day of mourning commemorating the seventh-century death of Imam Hussein, the revered grandson of Prophet Mohammed.

Metropolitan Police Bureau Commissioner Thiti Saengsawang confirmed that the three gunmen responsible for the attack were killed during the incident. "The Royal Oman Police have responded to a shooting incident that occurred in the vicinity of a mosque in the Al-Wadi Al-Kabir area," a police statement read. "The three gunmen behind the attack were killed, and police officers have concluded the procedures for dealing with the shooting."

The police reported that the six fatalities included a police officer, and 28 individuals from various nationalities were wounded, among them rescuers and paramedics. Initial investigations suggest that the attack was linked to poisoning, as suspicious substances were discovered in the hotel room, and no signs of struggle were found.

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The Islamic State's propaganda channel Aamaq, via Telegram, claimed the attack, stating that three of its fighters targeted "Shiites practicing their annual rituals" during Ashura. According to Aamaq, the assailants opened fire with machine guns on the worshippers before engaging in a shootout with Omani security forces.

The incident has sparked international outrage and condolences. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his deep sorrow, stating, "Pakistan stands in solidarity with the Sultanate of Oman and offers full assistance in the investigation." Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanani, also condemned the shooting as a "divisive" act.

The Pakistani ambassador to Oman, Imran Ali, reported that the mosque primarily serves South Asian expatriates. Oman is home to a significant number of Pakistanis, estimated at over 400,000. Ali described the harrowing scene, stating that the attack began with gunfire from a building adjacent to the mosque, where hundreds had gathered for prayers. Worshippers were held hostage by the militants before being freed by Omani forces.

Ali visited hospitals treating the wounded and urged Pakistani nationals in Oman to cooperate with authorities and avoid the mosque area. He also mentioned that the embassy has set up a hotline to assist the wounded and their families and has officers ready for emergency blood donations.

The American embassy in Muscat issued a security alert following the attack, canceling all visa appointments for Tuesday and advising U.S. citizens to remain vigilant and follow local authorities' directions.

Authorities have cordoned off the area around the mosque, and an investigation is underway to uncover the circumstances surrounding the attack. Journalists have been unable to access the site as police gather evidence.

Oman, a nation of over four million people, including a significant expatriate population from South Asia, has been relatively free from sectarian violence compared to its Gulf neighbors. The country is predominantly Muslim, with the majority following the Sunni or Ibadi branches, and Shiites forming a small minority.

This incident marks the first attack on a Shiite mosque in Oman, reminiscent of similar tragic events in the Gulf. In 2015, a suicide attack on a Shiite mosque in Kuwait killed at least 27 worshippers, while Saudi Arabia witnessed two mosque attacks within a week, resulting in at least 25 deaths. Both attacks were claimed by ISIS, which considers Shiites as heretics.

The Omani government and international community are now focused on ensuring justice for the victims and preventing such incidents in the future. The investigation's findings will be crucial in understanding the motivations behind the attack and enhancing security measures to protect all communities in Oman.

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