Indian among 6 killed in Muscat Mosque shooting; 3 attackers dead.
The Indian embassy in Muscat confirmed casualties, reporting one Indian killed and another injured in the gun attack on the night of July 16.
Muscat: An Indian national was among six people tragically killed in a devastating attack on the Ali bin Abi Talib mosque in Muscat, the capital city of Oman.
The incident unfolded in the Al Wadi Al Kabir area late on Monday night, shocking the local community and authorities alike. In response to the tragic events, the Indian Embassy in Muscat issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and condolences. According to their statement, “Following the shooting incident reported in Muscat city on July 15, the Foreign Ministry of the Sultanate of Oman has informed that one Indian national
The Royal Oman Police (ROP), alongside military and security services, swiftly responded to the attack. Oman News Agency reported that three attackers were neutralized during the incident, underscoring the swift action taken by authorities to contain the situation.
The tragic toll included four Pakistanis and a policeman killed in addition to the Indian victim, with at least 28 others of various nationalities sustaining injuries. Prompt medical attention was provided as the injured were swiftly transferred to healthcare facilities for treatment. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack have since commenced, aimed at understanding the motives and ensuring justice for the victims.
Eyewitness accounts vividly captured the chaos and horror of the assault. According to The Times of Oman, an eyewitness described the scene inside the mosque during the shooting, “The hall of the mosque was packed with hundreds of worshippers The relentless firing of bullets echoed for over an hour, eventually becoming sporadic, but for nearly three hours, death loomed over us.” The witness further recounted that approximately “500-600.
In response to the tragedy, the Royal Oman Police expressed their condolences and sympathies to the families of the deceased while wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Oman, known for its role as a regional mediator and typically enjoying a low crime rate, was deeply shaken by this rare act of violence.
The attack occurred during the Muslim day of Ashura, a significant occasion marked by Shia Muslims to commemorate the seventh-century martyrdom of Imam Hussein, grandson of Prophet Muhammad. This solemn day sees Shia Muslims engaging in rituals and processions, often including pilgrimages to Imam Hussein’s shrine in Karbala, Iraq. Meanwhile, Sunni Muslims observe Ashura through fasting and prayers.
The incident has raised concerns and prompted heightened security measures across Oman, emphasizing the need for vigilance and unity in the face of such unexpected violence. Authorities continue to assure the public of their commitment to maintaining peace and security, even as they investigate the details of this tragic event.
As investigations proceed and details emerge, the international community joins Oman in mourning the lives lost and supporting efforts to bring justice to those responsible for this senseless act of violence. The aftermath of this attack serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of unity and resilience in confronting challenges to community safety and well-being.