A rare act of violence shocked Oman early Tuesday as a shooting near the Imam Ali Mosque in Wadi al-Kabir, east of Muscat, left at least four people dead and several others wounded. The attack occurred during a significant religious event for Shia Muslims, the commemoration of Ashura.
Video footage from the scene shows people fleeing as gunfire rings out, with a voice crying, “Oh God!” Omani police have initiated a state of emergency in the area and are taking “all necessary security measures and procedures to handle the situation.” An initial casualty toll reported four killed and “several” injured, with two of the deceased identified as Pakistani nationals.
The Pakistani ambassador visited three hospitals to meet the wounded, urging all Pakistanis in Oman to cooperate with authorities. The US Embassy in Muscat issued a security alert, canceling all visa appointments for the day and advising US citizens to remain vigilant and follow local news.
Authorities are still gathering evidence and conducting investigations to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident. No motive or potential suspects have been identified yet.
Such an attack is highly unusual in Oman, known for its low crime rate and role as a regional mediator. The Imam Ali Mosque is a popular place of worship for Pakistani expats, making the attack especially concerning for the expatriate community.