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MUSCAT: Four including two Pakistanis were killed in a shooting incident that occurred in the vicinity of a mosque in Oman’s capital of Muscat on Tuesday, during the Ashura, a major religious event for Shia Muslims.
“The Royal Oman Police have responded to a shooting incident that occurred in the vicinity of a mosque in the Al-Wadi Al-Kabir area,” police said in a statement. The force gave an initial toll of four killed and “several others” wounded at the mosque in eastern Muscat.
“The authorities are continuing to gather evidence and conduct investigations to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident,” police said on social media platform X.
The United States embassy in Muscat issued a security alert following the shooting and canceled all visa appointments Tuesday. “US citizens should remain vigilant, monitor local news, and heed directions of local authorities,” the embassy wrote on social media platform X.
Footage verified by AFP shows people fleeing near Imam Ali Mosque, its minaret visible, as gunshots ring out followed by a voice saying, “Oh God!” and repeating “Oh Hussein”.
Police said that “all necessary security measures and procedures have been taken to handle the situation” in their statement.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Oman Imran Chaudhry, in a statement, said the Omani government has confirmed four deaths, out of which two lives lost were of Pakistanis.
“I was present with the diplomatic staff at night,” said Imran, adding that the Omani authorities are investigating the incident. “All Pakistanis residing in Oman are requested to cooperate with the authorities,” he said.
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