Oman mosque attack: Death toll rises to 9

Nine people were killed, including three attackers, in an assault on a mosque in Oman on Tuesday, authorities said.

Four Pakistani nationals and a policeman were among those killed in the gun attack, according to Pakistani and Omani officials. Authorities said 28 people of various nationalities were wounded, including security personnel.

Pakistan's foreign ministry said the attack took place in the Ali bin Abi Talib mosque.

Describing the incident in the Wadi al-Kabir district of Oman's capital Muscat as a "terrorist" attack, the Pakistani ministry said 30 injured people were in hospital.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he was "deeply saddened by the terrorist attack".
In a statement on social media platform X, he said: "Pakistan stands in solidarity with the Sultanate of Oman and offers full assistance in the investigation."

Pakistan's ambassador said the attack started with gunfire from a building adjacent to the mosque as hundreds of people gathered for prayers. The worshippers were held "hostage" by militants before "they were later freed by Omani forces", Ali told AFP.
He said there was little information on the perpetrators of the attack or their possible motive.

"Everyone is being tight-lipped about this," he said, adding that the attack created a "difficult situation".

Earlier on Tuesday, Ali toured hospitals treating the wounded. In a video message on X, he urged Pakistanis in Oman to cooperate with the authorities and avoid the area around the mosque.

"We are in touch with Omani authorities as well as hospitals. Our officers are on standby for emergency blood donations in the embassy," he said, adding that a hotline has been set up to assist the wounded and their relatives.

The U.S. embassy in the capital Muscat said it is following reports of the shooting incident in Wadi al-Kabir.

"U.S. citizens should remain vigilant, monitor local news and heed directions of local authorities," it said in a statement.