Morocco has condemned the recent shooting incident near a mosque in the Al-Wadi Al-Kabir area in the Sultanate of Oman, which has caused several deaths and injuries.
Morocco reiterates its solidarity with the brotherly Sultanate of Oman in all the measures undertaken to preserve its security and stability and the security of its citizens and residents, Morocco’s Foreign ministry said in a press release.
The attack occurred early Tuesday morning when attendees were participating in Ashura festivities, reported Middle East Eye.
Omani authorities reported that five worshippers, a police officer, and three alleged attackers were killed. Officials in Islamabad say at least four of those slain are Pakistanis.
The majority of Muslims in the country are Ibadi, with Sunni and Shia minority.
The Sultanate also includes minor Hindu and Christian populations, which are mostly made up of expatriate laborers.
Oman, located on the southeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, has mostly avoided sectarian strife throughout its recent history.
Ashura, which comes from the Arabic word “asharah” meaning ten, is observed on the tenth day of Muharram. Sunni Muslims observe it as a day of fasting and thankfulness, commemorating the day God saved Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Israelites from Pharaoh.
The Shia sect commemorates in this day the killing of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Husayn ibn Ali, during the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE, is one of the most important dates on the Shia calendar.