The foreign office (FO) on Tuesday said four Pakistanis were killed and thirty wounded by gunfire near a mosque in Oman.
“According to the latest information received from the Omani authorities, four Pakistanis were martyred as a result of gunshots in the dastardly terrorist attack on the Ali bin Abi Talib mosque in Wadi Kabeer area in Muscat, Oman,” the FO said in a post on X on Tuesday.
“Another thirty Pakistanis are under treatment in hospitals. We remain in close contact with Omani authorities,” it added.
Earlier, the FO had said that the four deceased included two Pakistanis.
As per latest details, four Pakistanis, an Indian, and a police officer wereamong those killed in the gun attack. Three attackers were killed by the police.
The Omani police said 28 people of various nationalities were wounded, including security personnel.
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.
The incident is a rare breach of security in one of the most stable countries in the Middle East.
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“We are heartened that the government of Oman has neutralised the attackers,” the FO said in another statement.
“Our Embassy in Oman remains in contact with Omani authorities for identification and repatriation of the mortal remains of the two martyred Pakistanis.
“It has also opened a helpline to respond to queries from the Pakistani community in Oman and to facilitate them. Ambassador Imran Ali is also visiting local hospitals to inquire about the well-being of injured Pakistani nationals,” the statement added.
The US embassy in Muscat said it was following reports of the shooting incident.
“US citizens should remain vigilant, monitor local news and heed directions of local authorities,” it said in a statement.
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Oman has maintained its neutrality in the turbulent region and mediated in disputes, including between the United States and Iran.
“All security measures and procedures have been taken to deal with the situation, and procedures for gathering evidence and investigation are being completed,” the police said in a statement.
‘Unprecedented’
“This is a very unprecedented event… the likes of it we have not seen in Oman’s history,” said Pakistan’s Ambassador to Muscat, Imran Ali, expressing gratitude to law enforcement and hospital staff.
The ambassador earlier visited some victims in the hospital.
He said most of the 30 victims there were being treated for gunshot wounds while others had suffered injuries fleeing the attack, including being crushed in the stampede.
Some Pakistanis were detained by law enforcement while fleeing the attack and were later released, though others remained in detention, Ali said, adding he was not aware of any arrests or whether a motive for the attack had been identified.
Pakistan has offered Oman its full assistance in the investigation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wrote on X.
“Deeply saddened by the terrorist attack on Imam Bargah Ali bin Abu Talib in Muscat, Oman, resulting in the loss of precious lives, including 4 Pakistani nationals. My heart goes out to the families of the victims,” the prime minister wrote.
“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.