ISLAMABAD: The Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for an attack on a Shiite mosque in Oman on Tuesday that killed at least nine people, including four Pakistanis, and marked a rare security breach in the oil-producing Gulf state.
Monday’s attack was unusual for the wealthy Gulf state and has raised concerns that ISIS is trying to gain a foothold in new territory.
“Three Islamic State suicide bombers attacked a Shiite (Muslim) gathering last night as they were holding their annual ritual at a shrine in the (Omani) capital’s Wadi Al Kabir area,” the group said in a statement, citing three security sources.
The statement said IS fighters opened fire on Shiite worshippers and exchanged gunfire with Omani security forces until the morning.
ISIS posted a video on its Telegram website late Tuesday that it said showed the attack, which it said killed or wounded more than 30 Shiite Muslims and five Omani soldiers, including a police officer.
“According to the latest information received from Omani authorities, four Pakistanis have been martyred in a gun attack in a dastardly terrorist attack on Ali Bin Abi Talib Mosque in Muscat’s Wadi Kabir area,” Pakistan’s foreign ministry said in a statement. “Another 30 Pakistanis are undergoing treatment in hospitals.”
A video shared by the Omani embassy showed Pakistan’s ambassador to Oman Imran Ali visiting the injured at the hospital.
“This is a message to the Pakistani community: during this emergency, do not go to Wadi Al Kabir. The area has been sealed off,” Ali said in a video message recorded at the hospital. “If you have relatives who are injured, please do not give up on your patience.”
He visited up to four hospitals and said the condition of the injured he met was “relatively” stable.
“Those who are at home should stay safe and refrain from going out. [toward Wadi Al-Kabir] “According to our information, the emergency situation remains,” the ambassador concluded.
According to an embassy handout, the “terrorist” attack by “unknown assailants” took place at around 11pm on Monday night at Imam Barga Ali bin Abu Talib in Wadi al-Kabir. Authorities evacuated people from the area after the attack and launched an operation at around 2:30am.
“The attackers took worshippers hostage. [there are] “Several casualties have been reported. Authorities have sealed off the scene,” he added. “The evacuation of the hostages has begun. Military forces have arrived at the scene.”
According to the Pakistan Embassy’s Facebook page, a state of emergency has been declared at Kurla Hospital, Nahida Hospital and Royal Hospital, which Ambassador Ali visited.
The attack took place during the Islamic month of Muharram, when Shiite Muslims commemorate the seventh century battlefield martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
