Islamic State Claims Rare Attack in Oman: Nine Dead in Shi'ite Mosque Assault

Islamic State claimed responsibility for a rare attack on a Shi'ite mosque in Oman's capital Muscat, killing nine people and wounding 28. The attack, carried out by suicide attackers, marks an exceptional event in the usually secure Gulf state. The incident raises concerns about a possible resurgence of the militant group.

Islamic State, the Sunni Muslim-dominated militant group, claimed responsibility on Tuesday for an assault on a Shi'ite Muslim mosque in Oman that left at least nine people dead, including three attackers. This rare security breach in the oil-producing Gulf state also saw four Pakistanis, an Indian, and a police officer among the casualties, according to officials from Pakistan, India, and Oman. Police reported that 28 people of various nationalities were wounded in the gun attack, including security personnel.

The attack began on Monday evening at the Ali bin Abi Talib mosque in the Wadi al-Kabir neighborhood of Muscat, located 500 meters from an international school and an adjacent skateboard park, and less than 10 kilometers from several five-star beach resorts. Such violence is exceptional in the wealthy, Sunni Muslim-dominated Gulf states, raising fears that Islamic State, which has operated in the shadows since being largely crushed by a U.S.-led coalition in 2017, may be attempting a resurgence in new territory.

Islamic State stated late on Tuesday that three of its "suicide attackers" fired on worshippers at the mosque on Monday evening and exchanged gunfire with Omani security forces until morning. The group published what it claimed was a video of the attack on its Telegram site. Another video shared on social media and verified by Reuters showed people running from the mosque while gunfire could be heard. Police have not yet identified a motive for the attack or made any arrests. Omani authorities have also not released the identity of the attackers.

(With inputs from agencies.)