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

Nine people, including an Indian and four Pakistanis, were killed and at least 28 others were injured in a shooting near a Shi’ite mosque in Muscat, the capital of Oman, officials reported on Tuesday. This incident marks a rare attack in the otherwise stable Gulf sultanate.

Here’s all you need to know about the Oman mosque attack

📌The attack took place on July 16, 2024, at the Ali bin Abi Talib mosque, also known as the Imam Ali mosque, in the Wadi al-Kabir district of Muscat, the capital of Oman.

📌Nine people killed included three attackers. Among the victims were four Pakistani nationals, one Indian national and a policeman. Additionally, 28 people of various nationalities were wounded, including security personnel, the state-run Oman News Agency said.

It was a gun assault on a Shi’ite Muslim mosque during the observance of Ashura, a period of mourning commemorating the 7th century death of Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammad.

It is a significant period for Shi’ite Muslims that can sometimes trigger sectarian tensions, though Oman has generally avoided such conflicts.

📌Three perpetrators were involved and were killed during the attack, according to a statement by Royal Oman Police.

📌Omani authorities described the incident as a “terrorist” attack and successfully neutralised the attackers. Investigations are underway, and authorities have not yet identified a motive or made further arrests.

📌An Indian national also lost his life in a shooting, the Indian Embassy informed on Tuesday. The embassy also said that one more Indian national had been injured by the attack.

📌Pakistan’s ambassador to Oman, Imran Ali, visited the injured in the hospital and described their conditions as “relatively safe”. Pakistan’s embassy in Muscat identified the four Pakistanis killed as Ghulam Abbas, Hasan Abbas, Sayyed Qaisar Abbas, and Sulaiman Nawaz.

📌Pakistani government condemned the attack, noting the deaths of Pakistani nationals and the injuries to others. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed his grief and said he was “deeply saddened” by the attack and that his “heart goes out to the families of the victims”. “I have instructed the Pakistan embassy in Muscat to extend all possible assistance to the injured and visit the hospitals personally,” he wrote on X. “Pakistan stands in solidarity with the Sultanate of Oman and offers full assistance in the investigation.”

📌US Embassy in Muscat also issued a statement advising US citizens to remain vigilant, monitor local news, and follow directions from local authorities.

📌Oman, known for its neutrality in regional disputes and mediation efforts, witnessed a rare breach of security with this attack.

The attack occurred during Ashura, a significant period for Shi’ite Muslims that can sometimes trigger sectarian tensions, though Oman has generally avoided such conflicts.