Pakistanis Shot Dead Near Mosque in Oman
Four Pakistanis have tragically lost their lives in a shooting at a Shia mosque in Muscat, Oman, according to a statement from Pakistan’s foreign ministry. The attack, described as a “dastardly terrorist attack,” also left 30 Pakistanis injured. The incident occurred at the Imam Ali Mosque on the eve of the Shia holy day of Ashura, with a video capturing the chaos inside the mosque as gunshots rang out.
The Royal Oman Police confirmed the shooting near the mosque in the al-Wadi al-Kabir area, resulting in four fatalities. No information has been provided yet regarding the identities of the attackers or their motives. Security measures have been heightened, and investigations are ongoing, as stated by local authorities.
Pakistan’s ambassador to Oman, Imran Ali, visited injured Pakistanis at local hospitals, reporting that their conditions were stable. He urged Pakistani residents to cooperate with authorities and avoid the affected area. The National newspaper reported that around 50 Pakistani expatriate workers were injured, with 20 suffering from bullet wounds.
During the attack, gunmen briefly held worshippers hostage, including women and children, before they were released by armed police. The incident has deeply shocked the community, occurring during Muharram, a significant period for Shia Muslims commemorating Imam Hussein.
Oman, known for its stability in the region, rarely experiences such violence. The sultanate, with a diverse population, plays an active role in regional mediation efforts despite not publishing official religious affiliation statistics.
