Attack in Oman Leaves Six Dead Near Mosque

On a Shiite Muslim day of mourning, a rare attack took place in Oman where multiple assailants, at least one armed, targeted worshipers near a mosque. The incident left six people dead, with casualties including four Pakistanis, one Indian citizen, and an Omani policeman.

The shooting occurred in the Wadi Kabir neighborhood of Muscat, the Omani capital, on Monday night. The police statement confirmed that three attackers were killed during the incident. Some of the worshipers were briefly held hostage but were later rescued by the authorities.

The Pakistani foreign ministry condemned the attack, labeling it as a “dastardly terrorist attack” and a “heinous crime.” The Indian authorities also expressed their condolences for the loss of one of their citizens. The Omani government has not disclosed the identities or motives of the attackers and did not classify the incident as a terrorist act.

The attack coincided with Ashura, a significant day for Shiite Muslims to mourn the death of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson. Oman, known for its religious coexistence and low crime rate, was shocked by the rare act of violence.

Oman’s diverse population includes Sunni, Ibadi, and Shiite Muslims, as well as communities of Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. The country, with a reputation for mediating regional conflicts, hosts a large number of immigrants from various nations, including Pakistan and other South Asian countries.

Such violent incidents are uncommon in Oman, with historical records indicating limited instances of such attacks. The nation’s commitment to religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence has been a hallmark of its society, distinguishing it from regions plagued by sectarian violence.