The flag of Oman. (File photo)
Omani brothers behind Shia mosque attack that killed six: Police
Three Omani brothers were behind a shooting near a Shia mosque, the sultanate’s police force said Thursday, after ISIS claimed the rare attack.
Monday’s shooting killed at least six people -- four Pakistanis, an Indian and an Omani police officer -- and wounded 28, authorities have said.
It was the first known operation claimed by the ISIS group in the sultanate which is among the most stable countries in the Middle East.
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“The three perpetrators involved in the incident were Omani nationals and brothers,” Omani police said in a statement on social media platform X.
“They were killed due to their insistence on resisting security personnel,” the statement said, adding that the attackers “were influenced by misguided ideas.”
In a statement Tuesday, ISIS’s Aamaq propaganda arm claimed the attack, saying it targeted “Shias practicing their annual rituals” on the occasion of the holy mourning period of Ashura
It posted a picture purporting to show the three perpetrators raising the group’s black flag.
Aamaq did not provide any details on their nationalities.
Monday’s attack came ahead of Ashura, an annual day of mourning that commemorates the seventh-century death in battle of Imam Hussein, regarded by Shias as the rightful successor to the Prophet Mohammed.
ISIS regards Shias as heretics.
Several attacks on Shia mosques have roiled the Gulf in past years but this was the first in Oman.
A 2015 suicide attack on a Shia mosque in Kuwait killed more than two dozen worshippers and was claimed by the ISIS group.
The same year, Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province saw two attacks on Shia mosques in the space of a week, with at least 25 people killed. ISIS again claimed the attacks.
Read more:
Saudi Arabia praises Oman’s handling of deadly mosque attack
UAE condemns attack on Shia mosque in Oman that killed six people
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