CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Nine people, including three attackers, were killed in an attack on a Shiite Muslim mosque in Oman on late Monday. The Indian embassy in Oman has confirmed that one Indian national was killed and another injured in the mosque attack.
Four Pakistanis and a police officer were among the others killed in the attack. According to Oman police, around 28 people, including security personnel were injured.
Pakistan’s foreign ministry said the attack took place at the Ali bin Abi Talib mosque also known as Imam Ali mosque. “Four Pakistanis were martyred as a result of gunshots in the dastardly terrorist attack…Another 30 Pakistanis are under treatment in hospitals,” said a statement. “The government of Oman has neutralised the attackers,” it added.
The attack took place in Wadi al-Kabir, a district east of Muscat.
President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the attack and extended his condolences to the victims and their families.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he was “deeply saddened” by the attack.
“I have instructed the Pakistan Embassy in Muscat to extend all possible assistance to the injured and visit the hospitals personally. Pakistan stands in solidarity with the Sultanate of Oman & offers full assistance in the investigation,” he said.
The attack occurred as Shi’ite Muslims observed Ashura, an annual period of mourning to commemorate the 7th-century death of Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Mohammad.
Most Omanis adhere to the Ibadi faith, which is a branch of Islam that has much in common with mainstream Sunni Islam.
