Police are taking “all necessary security measures” following the extremely rare act of violence in the sultanate.
A shooting near a mosque in Oman has killed at least four people and wounded several others in a rare act of violence in the Gulf nation.
The attack took place early Tuesday in Wadi al-Kabir, a district east of the capital Muscat, during an important religious event for Shiite Muslims.
A video from the scene shows people fleeing near the Imam Ali Mosque, with its minaret visible, as gunshots are heard followed by a voice saying: “Oh God!”
Omani police said they were taking “all necessary security measures and procedures… to manage the situation.” They gave an initial death toll of four and “several” wounded.
“Authorities continue to gather evidence and conduct investigations to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident,” police said on social media platform X.
No motive or possible suspects were identified for the attack. A state of emergency was declared in the area.
'Don't let your guard down'
Some of the victims were believed to be Pakistani nationals, as Pakistan's ambassador “visited three hospitals and met the injured,” the embassy said in a statement, adding that “all Pakistanis residing in Oman are requested to cooperate with the authorities.”
The U.S. Embassy in Muscat issued a security alert following the shooting and canceled all visa appointments on Tuesday.
“U.S. citizens should remain vigilant, monitor local news and heed the instructions of local authorities,” the embassy wrote in X.
Such attacks are rare in Oman, a country that is often a regional mediator with a low crime rate. They occur during the Muslim day of Ashura, when Shiite Muslims commemorate the martyrdom on the 7th century battlefield of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.
Many Shiites celebrate Ashura by making a pilgrimage to the shrine of Imam Hussein in the Iraqi city of Karbala. Sunni Muslims mark the day by fasting.
Security Alert for U.S. Citizens:
The U.S. Embassy is closely monitoring reports of the shooting in Wadi Kabir. U.S. citizens should remain vigilant, follow local news, and follow the guidance of local authorities. image.twitter.com/7aob35orAc— U.S. Embassy in Muscat (@USEmbMuscat) July 16, 2024
