A shooting at a mosque in Oman, a country in West Asia, has killed four people and wounded 30 others.
Described as a rare act of violence in the country of less than five million people, the attack early on Tuesday took place in Wadi al-Kabir during a religious event for Shia Muslims.
The foreign ministry in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, which identified the deceased as Pakistanis, said Omani authorities killed the gunmen.
“Pakistan strongly condemns the dastardly terrorist attack. We are heartened that the government of Oman has neutralised the attackers,” the ministry said in a statement.
Reacting also, Omani Police said, “The authorities are continuing to gather evidence and conduct investigations to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
A state of emergency was declared in the area by the authorities who were yet to identify any motive for the attack.
Pakistan’s ambassador to Oman, Imran Ali, visited hospitals and met with the wounded, an embassy statement said.
“All Pakistanis residing in Oman are requested to cooperate with the authorities,” the ambassador added.
The US Embassy in the Oman capital, Muscat, issued a security alert, stating, “US citizens should remain vigilant, monitor local news, and heed directions of local authorities.”
Surprised observers have remarked that such an attack is rare in Oman which is famed for being a frequent mediator with a low crime rate.
The attack comes during the Muslim day of Ashura when Shia Muslims commemorate the 7th-century battlefield martyrdom of Imam Hussein, grandson of Prophet Muhammad.