In a tragic incident on the night of July 15, a shooting near a Shia Muslim mosque in Oman’s capital, al-Wadi al-Kabir, has left six people dead, including a policeman, and 28 others injured. The attack occurred during the annual observance of Ashura, a solemn day of mourning for Shia Muslims commemorating the death of Imam Hussein.
According to reports, three attackers, identified as members of the Sunni Muslim jihadist group Islamic State (IS), carried out the assault. This marks a rare instance of IS claiming responsibility for an attack in Oman, where the Shia community constitutes a minority.
The assailants, described as “suicide attackers” by IS, targeted worshippers at the mosque, engaging in gunfire with Omani security forces throughout the night. The confrontation culminated in the death of the attackers during the exchange.
IS supporters celebrated the attack on social media platforms, highlighting the group’s ongoing targeting of Shia ceremonies, processions, and worshippers across various countries including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Omani authorities have condemned the attack and are expected to heighten security measures, particularly around religious gatherings and sensitive occasions, to prevent future incidents. The incident underscores the persistent threat posed by extremist groups, even in nations traditionally known for their stability and relative security.
As investigations continue and the community mourns the lives lost, there is a growing call for solidarity and vigilance in safeguarding against such acts of violence that aim to disrupt communal harmony and religious freedoms.
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