ISIS Claims Responsibility for Attack on Shia Mosque in Oman

The group known as "Islamic Caliphate," ISIS, has claimed responsibility for the attack on a Shia mosque in Oman that left 9 dead. This attack, which took place on Monday, is one of the few security breaches in the Sultanate of Oman, raising concerns that ISIS is seeking to establish a foothold in this predominantly Sunni Gulf state. Three security sources on Tuesday, referring to ISIS's statement, told Reuters that "three suicide attackers from ISIS attacked the annual religious ceremony of Shia Muslims in the Wadi al-Kabeer neighborhood of the capital of Oman." According to this statement, ISIS militants opened fire on Shia worshippers and exchanged gunfire with Omani security forces until morning. ISIS also released a statement on its Telegram channel on Tuesday, claiming that the attack resulted in the deaths and injuries of 30 Shia Muslims and 5 Omani security forces, including one police officer. The Omani police previously announced that at least 9 people, including three shooters and one police officer, were killed during the attack, and 29 individuals from various countries were injured. The Pakistani embassy also announced on Tuesday morning that four of its citizens were killed in the shooting incident in the capital of Oman. The Pakistani government described the event as a "terrorist attack."