Indian national among 9 killed in Oman mosque attack

Four Pakistani nationals and a policeman were among those killed in the gun attack, according to Pakistani and Omani officials.

Ali_bin_Abi_Talib_Mosque_(Umm_al-Fahm) Oman

The attack occurred in a Shi'ite mosque in Sunni-dominated Oman, known locally as the Imam Ali mosque, as Shi'ite Muslims observed Ashura, an annual period of mourning. (File photo/Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Nine people, including an Indian, have been killed in an attack on a mosque in Oman late on Monday. In a rare breach of security in one of the most stable countries in the Middle East, local authorities confirmed that the casualties also included three attackers, according to news agency Reuters.

The Indian embassy in Oman made the announcement of the death of the Indian national on social media platform X and also stated that another Indian had been injured in the gun attack that took place in the Ali bin Abi Talib mosque in Muscat.

The post on X stated, “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.”

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.

— India in Oman (Embassy of India, Muscat) (@Indemb_Muscat) July 16, 2024

Four Pakistani nationals and a policeman were also among those killed in the assault, according to Pakistani and Omani officials. Authorities said 28 people of various nationalities were wounded, including security personnel.

Story continues below this ad

Also read | 9 killed in Oman Shi’ite mosque gun attack: Here’s what we know so far

The attack took place in a Shi’ite mosque in Sunni-dominated Oman, known locally as the Imam Ali mosque, as Shi’ite Muslims observed Ashura, an annual period of mourning to commemorate the 7th century death of Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. The observation of Ashura has occasionally triggered sectarian tensions between Sunni and Shi’ite Muslims in some countries, though not typically in Oman.

Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Muscat issued a security alert following the shooting. “US citizens should remain vigilant, monitor local news, and heed directions of local authorities,” the embassy wrote on X.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Tags:
Oman

Loading Taboola...

Wankhede has claimed that the series disseminates a misleading and negative portrayal of anti-drug enforcement agencies, thereby eroding public confidence in law enforcement institutions.

‘Intent to malign reputation’: Sameer Wankhede moves Delhi HC against Aryan Khan

Cities3 hr ago

IRS officer Sameer Wankhede filed a defamation suit against the production company, Netflix, and others for the "misleading" and "negative" portrayal of anti-drug agencies in the series 'Ba****ds of Bollywood'. He claims the series was deliberately made to tarnish his reputation and erode public confidence in law enforcement institutions.

View all shorts

Live Blog