The Death Toll From The Shooting At The Oman Mosque Increased To 6 People, ISIS Claims Responsibility

Illustration. (Wikimedia Commons/Tony Webster)

JAKARTA - The Islamic State group claims responsibility for the shooting of a mosque in Oman, as the death toll increases, including the perpetrators.

The attack killed at least nine people, including three perpetrators of the attack.

"Three suicide attackers from the Islamic State attacked last night a Shiite meeting when they practiced their annual ritual at a mosque in Wadi al-Kabir District in the capital (Oman)," the group said in a statement, citing three security sources.

In a statement, ISIS members opened fire on Shiite pilgrims, before firing each other with Oman security forces until the morning.

ISIS on Tuesday night published what they said was a video of the attack on the Telegram site.

The attack began Monday evening at Ali bin Abi Talib mosque in the Wadi al-Kabir neighborhood in the capital Oman, Muscat, authorities said, 500 meters from an international school and an adjacent skateboard park less than 10 kilometers from a series of five-star beach resorts.

Four Pakistanis, an Indian, and a policeman were among those killed in the armed attack, according to Pakistani officials, India, and Oman. Oman police said 28 people from various countries were injured, including security personnel.

Earlier, security forces said four people were killed and several others injured in shootings around a mosque in Oman.

"All measures and security procedures have been taken to address this situation, and procedures for evidence gathering and investigation have been completed," police said.

Police have not said whether they have identified the motive for the attack or made an arrest. Oman authorities have also not released the identities of the attackers.

A local source said the mosque is also known as the Imam Ali mosque and is a Shia place of worship in Oman which is ruled by Ibadi, which has a small but influential minority Shia. While most Oman residents adhere to Sunni Islam.

Monday's attack raised fears ISIS might try to find a new foothold, with such events rare in Oman.