The ISIS terror group has claimed responsibility for the mosque attack that occurred in Muscat, Oman, yesterday, leaving at least nine people dead, including a police officer, and 50 others wounded. 

The attack targeted members of the Pakistani community who were holding a mourning ceremony for Imam Hussein on the occasion of Ashura at the Imam Ali Husseiniya.

This marks the first incident of its kind in the history of the Sultanate of Oman.

In its statement, the terrorist group said on Tuesday that three of its suicide attackers opened fire on Monday night at the mosque, wounding worshipers, and continuing to trade gunfire with Omani security forces into the early hours of the following day. 
 
The group also claimed to have released a video of the assault on its Telegram channel.

It further said its fighters attacked a gathering of Shia who were "practicing their annual rituals." 

Attackers' identities not yet disclosed

The police have not stated if they have made any arrests or determined the purpose of the attack. Additionally, the attackers' identities have not been disclosed by Omani officials.  

In Ibadi-ruled Oman, where there is a small but significant Shi'ite minority, the mosque known as Imam Ali mosque, is a site of worship. Muslims from around the world were commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in the year 61 AH (AD 680) this week.

#Oman 🇴🇲: Three #ISIS militants carried out a shooting attack near a Shia mosque in Wadi Al-Kabir, #Muscat and killed at least 6 people including a Police officer.

Militants were seemingly armed with two 5.56x45mm #NATO Steyr AUG A1 assault rifles and a 7.52x51mm G3A3 rifle. pic.twitter.com/YKeNg9lV2F

— War Noir (@war_noir) July 16, 2024