The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack.
Published on July 16, 2024 at 9:58 p.m.
Updated on July 16, 2024 at 11:16 p.m.
Reading time: 1 min
People flee the scene of a shooting at Imam Ali Mosque, east of Muscat, the capital of Oman, on July 16, 2024. (UGC / AFP)
Authorities announced on Tuesday, July 16, that six people, including four Pakistanis, were killed and around 30 injured in a shooting near a Shiite mosque in Muscat. This event was a rare occurrence in the Sultanate of Oman, known for its stability and neutrality. In a statement on X, the police specified that “the three attackers were killed,” without disclosing their nationalities. An investigation has been initiated.
On Tuesday evening, the Islamic State group (IS) claimed responsibility for the shooting. Aamaq, a propaganda outlet for the IS, stated that three “Islamic State fighters in the Omani capital Muscat” were behind the attack. They added that the targets were “Shiites performing their annual rituals.”
The shooting began at 11pm local time (7pm GMT) on Monday and continued into the early hours of Tuesday, according to Pakistan’s ambassador to Muscat, Imran Ali, to AFP. A security perimeter was established near the mosque named following Ali Ibn Abi Taleb, the first Shiite imam, in eastern Muscat.
Footage verified by AFP shows people fleeing in front of a mosque, whose minaret is visible, as gunshots ring out. One person can be heard screaming “Oh God” and repeating “Oh Hussein,” a reference to the imam whom Shiites consider the legitimate successor to the Prophet Muhammad. Imran Ali stated that the attackers had taken the faithful “hostage,” later released during an operation by Omani security forces.
The attacked Shiite mosque is frequented mainly by migrants from Southeast Asia, including Pakistanis, who number 400,000 in Oman.
Shooting Near Shiite Mosque in Muscat: Six Killed, Islamic State Claims Responsibility
A shooting incident near a Shiite mosque in Muscat, Oman, on July 16, 2024, resulted in the deaths of six people, including four Pakistanis, and injured approximately 30 others. The attack, a rare occurrence in the typically stable and neutral Sultanate of Oman, has been claimed by the Islamic State group (IS). Omani authorities have confirmed the deaths of the three attackers, while an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Details of the Attack
The shooting began around 11 pm local time (7 pm GMT) on Monday, July 15, and continued into the early hours of Tuesday. According to Pakistan’s ambassador to Muscat, Imran Ali, the attackers initially held worshippers hostage before being neutralized by Omani security forces.
Footage verified by AFP shows panicked individuals fleeing the scene in front of the mosque, named following Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, the first Shiite imam. Gunshots can be heard in the background, and one individual is heard calling out “Oh God” and repeating “Oh Hussein,” referencing the imam considered by Shiites to be the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad.
IS Claims Responsibility
On Tuesday evening, the Islamic State group (IS) issued a statement claiming responsibility for the attack. The IS propaganda agency, Aamaq, stated that the attackers were “Islamic State fighters in Oman’s capital Muscat” who targeted “Shiites performing their annual rituals.”
Impact and Background
The attack has shaken Oman, a country known for its peaceful coexistence between different religious groups. The Shiite mosque where the shooting occurred is primarily frequented by migrants from Southeast Asia, particularly Pakistanis, who make up a significant portion of Oman’s population.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges posed by extremist groups, even in relatively stable regions. It serves as a reminder of the need for enhanced security measures to protect places of worship and prevent future attacks.
International Reaction and Security Measures
The international community has condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Oman. Pakistan has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and offered its cooperation in the investigation.
Omani authorities have stepped up security measures across the country following the attack. Police and security personnel have been deployed to sensitive areas, including places of worship, to ensure public safety.
Moving Forward
The attack in Muscat underscores the importance of combating extremism and promoting tolerance and understanding. Ongoing efforts to counter the spread of extremist ideologies, both online and offline, are crucial in preventing future attacks and ensuring peace and security in Oman and beyond.
