Iran denounces fatal shooting near mosque in Oman

(MENAFN) Iran has strongly condemned a tragic shooting that occurred near a mosque in the Wadi al-Kabir area of Muscat Governorate, Oman, during a Shia Muslim ceremony commemorating Ashura. This annual observance marks the martyrdom of Imam Hossein, the third Shia Imam and grandson of the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh). Nasser Kanaani, spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, released a statement on Tuesday expressing solidarity with the Omani government and its people, while denouncing the attack as a divisive act intended to destabilize society.

Kanaani emphasized, "We condemn these divisive acts and stand in solidarity with Oman against such attempts to sow discord," and he extended prayers for mercy and strength to the families of the victims. According to reports from the Royal Oman Police, the shooting resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including one police officer, while three assailants were also killed. Additionally, 28 people of various nationalities were injured in the incident.

Video footage from the scene captured the chaos as individuals fled from the Imam Ali Mosque amid gunfire, with cries for divine intervention heard in the background. The Royal Oman Police stated that they are actively gathering evidence and conducting investigations to uncover the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. However, as investigations are ongoing, the authorities have not yet released the identities of the attackers or victims, nor have they provided any information regarding the motives behind the shooting. Pakistani authorities confirmed that four Pakistani nationals were among those killed in the attack.

MENAFN17072024000045015839ID1108449180