MUSCAT: The death toll from a shooting near a mosque in Al Wadi Al Kabir on Tuesday has risen to nine including a policeman. The Royal Oman Police said three attackers were also killed.
There were 28 people from various nationalities who were injured in the attack, the police said.
"The Royal Oman Police and the military and security services have completed the procedures for dealing with the shooting incident that occurred in the Wadi Al Kabir area in the Muscat Governorate," the police statement said. "Investigations into the incident are ongoing," it said.
Among the injured were policemen and personnel of CDAA (Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority).
The injured were transferred to various hospitals for treatment.
"ROP offers condolences and sympathies to the families of the deceased, wishing the injured a speedy recovery. ROP also extends appreciation for the national efforts and cooperation of citizens and residents, which resulted in containing the situation," it added.
ROP stresses the need to get information from official channels and to ignore non-reliable sources.
In his post on X, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidy, Foreign Minister, said, “My heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the families of all who lost their lives in the brutal attack last night, including one gallant officer of the Royal Oman Police, and wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.”
Pakistan Embassy in Muscat also issued an official statement saying, “Pakistan strongly condemns the dastardly attack that resulted in multiple casualties including two deaths of Pakistani nationals.”
The embassy said they are in contact with Omani authorities for the identification and repatriation of the mortal remains of the two Pakistanis who lost their lives 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 neutralised 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.
Indian Embassy in Muscat too issued a statement saying, "Following the shooting incident reported in Muscat, Foreign Ministry of Sultanate of Oman has informed that one Indian national has lost his life and another is injured."
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he was "deeply saddened by the attack."
In a statement on X, he said: "Pakistan stands in solidarity with the Sultanate of Oman and offers full assistance in the investigation."
Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanani, condemned the shooting as a "divisive" act.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health activated its emergency response to the shooting incident.
The ministry along with the University Medical City, CDAA and private health institutions deployed staff to treat injured victims.
Khoula Hospital, which was designated as the centre for receiving injured victims, has been supported by over 50 medical staff from the Royal Hospital and the University Medical City.
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