Four Pakistanis shot dead near mosque in Muscat

Muscat: Four Pakistanis were fatally shot near a mosque in Muscat, Oman, the  Omani police reported on Tuesday.

This is a rare security breach in one of the Middle East's most stable nations.

As many as 30 Pakistanis were injured and are receiving medical treatment, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"The Royal Oman Police have responded to a shooting incident near a mosque in the Al-Wadi Al-Kabir area," stated the police.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that all necessary security measures have been implemented to manage the situation, and procedures are underway to collect evidence and investigate the attack.

Pakistan's Ambassador to Oman, Imran Chaudhry, confirmed that the Omani government has reported four deaths, including two Pakistanis.

"I was present with the diplomatic staff at night," Imran said, noting that Omani authorities are investigating the incident.

The Embassy of Pakistan reported that a terrorist attack occurred on July 15 in the Wadi Kabir Muscat area, carried out by unknown assailants.

The authorities have cordoned off the area and initiated drone surveillance. The operation began at 2:30 am Muscat time following an evacuation.

Ambassador Ali has visited the hospitals and met with affected Pakistani families.

"The government has declared a high alert and emergency at the state level, with some injured individuals being transferred to nearby hospitals," stated the embassy. It has also established an Emergency Response Centre and teams to coordinate with patients and their families.