ISIS claims responsibility for Oman mosque attack

ISIS claimed responsibility for an attack on a mosque in Oman that left at least nine people dead, including three attackers.

Four Pakistanis, an Indian and a police officer were among those killed in the gun attack, according to Pakistani, Indian and Omani officials. The Oman police said 28 people of various nationalities were wounded, including security personnel.

The attack began on Monday evening at the Ali bin Abi Talib mosque in the Wadi al-Kabir neighbourhood of Oman's capital Muscat, authorities said.

ISIS said in a statement late on Tuesday that three of its "suicide attackers" fired on worshippers at the mosque on Monday evening and exchanged gunfire with Omani security forces until morning. The group also published what it said was a video of the attack on its Telegram site.

Police have not said whether they have identified a motive for the attack or made any arrests. Omani authorities also have not released the identity of the attackers.

UAE condemns attack, expresses solidarity with Oman

The UAE has strongly denounced the horrific shooting at the mosque in Oman. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed its deepest condolences to the government and people of Oman, as well as the bereaved families.

"The UAE expresses its strong condemnation of these criminal acts and its permanent rejection of all forms of violence aimed at undermining security and stability, and endangers the lives of the population, in contravention of international law," the statement read.

India's embassy in Oman also releases a statement on social media platform X.

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.