IS claims responsibility for Oman attack

Islamic State, the Sunni Muslim dominated militant group,  has claimed responsibility for Monday’s attack on a Shi’ite mosque in Oman. At least six people as well as the three attackers are believed to have been killed. Middle East correspondent William Denselow reports.

Reuters reports that the assault commenced on Monday evening at the Ali bin Abi Talib mosque in the Wadi al-Kabir area of Muscat, Oman’s capital, according to officials. The location is just 500 meters from an international school and a nearby skateboard park, and less than 10 kilometers from several luxury beach resorts. This kind of violence is rare in the affluent, Sunni Muslim-majority Gulf states, which are typically known for their security and stability. This incident raises concerns that the Islamic State, which has been largely subdued by a U.S.-led coalition since 2017, may be trying to reestablish itself in new regions.