Oman's Muscat secured after deadly active shooting
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The Muscat police department in Oman secured the area in which a fatal mass shooting took place.
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This February 12, 2010 file picture shows the seafront in Muscat, Oman (AP)
The Omani Police and the military and security agencies have concluded their response to a mass shooting that occurred on Monday near a mosque in the Al-Wadi Al-Kabir area of Muscat.
The Omani Ministry of Health promptly set up an emergency management center to handle the situation, deploying over 50 specialized medical personnel to treat the injured.
The tragic incident resulted in the death of six individuals, including a police officer, and left 28 others wounded. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the details surrounding the event.
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.
The authorities initially reported that four people were killed and "several others" wounded at the mosque in eastern Muscat.
Simultaneously, the police said that "all necessary security measures and procedures have been taken to handle the situation."
Following the shooting, the United States embassy in Muscat issued a security alert and canceled all visa appointments on Tuesday.
In a post on X, the embassy said that "US citizens should remain vigilant, monitor local news, and heed directions of local authorities."
Verified footage from AFP shows people fleeing near Imam Ali Mosque, with its minaret visible, as gunshots echo in the background.
Muslims from around the world are 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.
