Spokesman Report
Muscat: The Royal Oman Police (ROP) on Tuesday issued a statement over a shooting incident, which took place in the Wadi Al Kabir area.
In its online statement, the ROP said it dealt with a shooting incident in the vicinity of a mosque in the Wadi Al Kabir, which resulted in the death of four people and the injury of a number of others, according to preliminary information.
According to ROP, all security measures and procedures have been taken to deal with the situation, confirming that collecting evidence for investigation is going on.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office confirmed on Tuesday that the attack on a mosque in Oman had resulted in the deaths of four Pakistanis. Another 30 Pakistanis were injured in the attack.
“Pakistan strongly condemns the dastardly terrorist attack on Imam Bargah Ali bin Abu Talib in Wadi Kabir in Muscat, Oman that resulted in multiple casualties including the death of four Pakistanis,” the Foreign Office said in a statement.
The statement said that the Pakistani embassy is in contact with authorities for identification and repatriation of the mortal remains of the 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 Foreign Office also said it was ‘heartened’ that the attackers had been killed.
“Pakistan has offered all possible assistance to Omani authorities in the investigation and in bringing to justice of those responsible for this heinous crime in this holy month of Muharram.”
Monday’s mosque attack, which has yet to be claimed, came as Shias this week mark Ashura, an annual day of mourning that commemorates the seventh-century death in battle of Imam Hussain.
Meanwhile, the Royal Oman Police expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the deceased, asking Allah Almighty to grant their families and loved ones patience, solace, and a speedy recovery for the injured.
Following the incident, the U.S. embassy in Muscat issued a statement to U.S. citizens in Oman urging them to remain vigilant, monitor local news and heed directions of local authorities. The embassy has canceled visa appointments today.
The Pakistan Embassy on Tuesday issued an official statement following the Wadi Kabeer shooting incident.
“Pakistan strongly condemns the dastardly terrorist attack on Imambargah Ali bin Abu Talib in Wadi Kabir in Muscat, Oman that resulted in multiple casualties including two deaths of Pakistani nationals,” said the statement.
The embassy said they are in contact with Omani authorities for identification and repatriation of the mortal remains of the two Pakistanis who perished in the attack. It has also opened a helpline to respond to queries from the community and to facilitate them in Oman.
Ambassador Imran Ali is also visiting local hospitals to inquire about the well-being of injured Pakistani nationals.
“We are heartened that the government of Oman has neutralized the attackers. Pakistan has offered all possible assistance to Omani authorities in the investigation and to bring to justice those responsible for the heinous attack,” the embassy said.
Pakistan Embassy Emergency Numbers:
• Abdul Samad: 92040038
• Khadim Hussain: 98577355
• Aamir Safdar: +923225251612
• Syed Nisarul Haq: 94981966
• Atiq Ahmed: 0045 9976
To contact the Ambassador:
• Saifullah: 92109432