A brutal attack on the Imam Ali Mosque in Muscat's Al-Wadi Al-Kabira area left nine people dead and 28 injured.
The attack, claimed by the jihadist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), occurred during evening prayers on the significant Shiite observance of Ashura.
The Royal Oman Police confirmed that three gunmen launched the assault, leading to a prolonged and intense firefight with Omani security forces.
The attackers were eventually neutralized, but not before causing significant casualties.
Among the deceased were an Indian national, four Pakistani nationals, a police officer, and several other worshippers.
The attack left 28 people injured, including worshippers, rescuers, and paramedics of various nationalities.
Another Indian citizen was among the injured, as confirmed by the Indian embassy in Oman. The embassy expressed deep condolences and offered support to the families of the victims.
Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, condemned the attack and pledged full support for the investigation, while the Pakistani foreign ministry confirmed the deaths of four Pakistani nationals and injuries to 30 others.
The ISIS group disseminated a video of the attack on the Telegram messaging app, claiming their “suicide attackers” targeted the mosque.
The violence unfolded with the attackers reportedly firing from an adjacent building, leading to a brief hostage situation that was resolved by Omani forces.
This rare act of sectarian violence has deeply shocked Oman, a nation traditionally known for its stability and avoidance of the sectarian strife that affects many parts of the Middle East.
The incident coincided with Ashura, amplifying its impact on the Shiite community.
International reactions have been swift. The Indian embassy in Oman has expressed readiness to assist the affected families, while Iran condemned the attack as a “divisive” act.
The United States embassy in Oman issued a security alert, canceling all visa appointments for the day.
