UPDATES WITH PAKISTAN FOREIGN MINISTRY STATEMENT
By Diyar Guldogan and Riyaz ul Khaliq
WASHINGTON / ISTANBUL (AA) - At least four people were killed and several others wounded by gunfire near the mosque in the Wadi al-Kabir area of Oman's capital Muscat early Tuesday, according to Omani police.
Omani authorities identified the slain as "four Pakistanis (who) were martyred as a result of gunshots in the dastardly terrorist attack on the Ali bin Abi Talib mosque," said the Pakistani Foreign Ministry in Islamabad.
"Another 30 Pakistanis are receiving treatment in hospitals," the ministry added.
"We strongly condemn this cowardly attack and the killing of Muslims in the holy month of Muharram," said Pakistan Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar.
The Pakistani diplomatic mission is in contact with Omani authorities and the Pakistani community.
Following the shooting, the US Embassy in Muscat issued a security alert, stating: "US citizens should remain vigilant, monitor local news, and follow the instructions of local authorities."