Indian among 9 killed in Oman mosque attack

Dubai, July 16

A total of nine people — an Indian, four Pakistanis, a police officer and three attackers — were killed and more than two dozen others were injured in an assault on a Shi’ite Muslim mosque in Oman late on Monday, law enforcement said, in a rare security breach in the oil producing Gulf state.

The information about the deceased was released by the Pakistan, Indian and Omani officials. The Oman police said 28 people of various nationalities were wounded, including security personnel.

A video on social media verified by Reuters showed people running away from the mosque while gunshots could be heard. Police have not said whether they have identified a motive for the attack or if they had made any arrests. The identity of the attackers has also not been released.

Pakistan’s foreign ministry said the attack took place at the Ali bin Abi Talib mosque. The attack came as Shi’ite Muslims observed Ashura. — Reuters