A shooting incident near a mosque in Muscat, the capital of Oman, has resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals and injuries to several others, an unusual occurrence of violence in the Gulf nation.
According to Pakistan’s Ambassador to Oman, Imran Ali, the attack took place in the peaceful neighborhood of Wadi al-Kabir early Tuesday morning. The assailants targeted an Imambargah where worshippers were gathered, opening fire from above and killing four people, including two Pakistanis. Approximately 70 others were injured, most of whom were Pakistani nationals.
Ambassador Ali reported that 30 to 40 of the injured Pakistanis are receiving treatment in hospitals. He condemned the attack, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives and the injuries to innocent worshippers.
“Pakistan strongly condemns the dastardly terrorist attack on Imam Bargah Ali bin Abu Talib in Wadi Kabir in Muscat, Oman that resulted in multiple casualties including two deaths of Pakistani nationals. pic.twitter.com/rcRpsuX0p6
— Pakistan Embassy Oman (@PakinOman) July 16, 2024
He personally visited three to four hospitals to ensure that all necessary measures were being taken for the care of the injured. He also advised Pakistani citizens in Oman to stay safe indoors.
پاکستانی کمیونٹی مسقط کےلئے اہم سفیر پاکستان @reflectiveimran کی طرف سے خصوصی ہدایات
— Pakistan Embassy Oman (@PakinOman) July 15, 2024
مسقط میں وادی کبیر کی مسجد میں پیدا ہونے والی ھنگامی صورتحال سے نمٹنے کیلے عمان کی سکیورٹی فورسز مستعدی سے کام کر رہی ہیں۔عمان میں مقیم تمام پاکستانیوں سے گزارش ہے کہ وہ انتظامیہ سے تعاون کریں pic.twitter.com/uR6venrYCE
“This cowardly attack on the Imambargah in Wadi al-Kabir is an assault on humanity and the values of peace,” he stated solemnly.
In response to the emergency, the Pakistan Embassy in Oman established an Emergency Response Center and dispatched teams to coordinate relief efforts.
“Emergency protocols are in effect at Khaula Hospital, Nahda Hospital, and Royal Hospital to provide optimal medical attention to those affected by this tragedy,” he assured. He emphasized the embassy’s continuous coordination with local authorities and healthcare facilities to ensure the best possible care for the injured.
Additionally, the embassy has set up blood donation camps at various locations to meet the urgent need for blood supplies. Ambassador Imran Ali urged Pakistani nationals in Oman to remain vigilant and assured them of the embassy’s full support during this challenging time. He requested all Pakistanis in Oman to cooperate with the authorities.
Video footage from the scene shows people fleeing near the Imam Ali Mosque, with its minaret visible in the background. Gunfire can be heard, followed by someone exclaiming, “Oh God!”
BREAKING: Suspected terrorist attack at a Shia mosque outside #Oman’s capital #Muscat. One or more gunman are reported and firing at congregants. Locals say ~700 people are there.
— ViralVibes🔊 (@happyjohny2) July 16, 2024
Unconfirmed reports of several deaths.
pic.twitter.com/5zDRlhKM5N
Omani police are taking “all necessary security measures and procedures … to handle the situation.” The initial casualty count was four individuals killed and several injured.
“The authorities are continuing to gather evidence and conduct investigations to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident,” police stated on the social media platform X.
No motives or suspects have been identified in the attack, and a state of emergency has been declared in the area.
Following the shooting, the US Embassy in Muscat issued a security alert and cancelled all visa appointments on Tuesday.
“US citizens should remain vigilant, monitor local news, and heed directions of local authorities,” the embassy wrote on X.
Security Alert for American citizens:
— U.S. Embassy Muscat (@USEmbMuscat) July 16, 2024
The U.S. Embassy is following reports of the shooting incident in Wadi Kabir. U.S. citizens should remain vigilant, monitor local news and heed directions of local authorities. pic.twitter.com/7aob35orAc
Such an attack is uncommon in Oman, which is known for its role as a regional mediator and has a low crime rate. During the Muslim occasion of Ashura, Shia Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (A.S.), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), in the seventh century battle. Many Shia Muslims undertake a pilgrimage to Imam Hussain’s shrine in Karbala, Iraq, while Sunni Muslims observe the occasion by fasting.
