What’s behind Islamic State’s first attack in Oman?

ISIS has not affected Oman as much as it has other Gulf countries, in part due to the sultanate’s strong security and lack of radicalism, according to one expert.
A member of Hashed Al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization units) removes a sign on a lamp post bearing the logo of the Islamic State (IS) group on August 26, 2017.
A member of Hashed Al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization units) removes a sign on a lamp post bearing the logo of the Islamic State (IS) group on August 26, 2017. - AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/AFP via Getty Images
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Adam Lucente
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The Islamic State (ISIS) has claimed credit for a deadly Monday attack at a mosque in Oman — the group’s first in the Gulf state, despite its persistent targeting of Shiite Muslims.

Six people were killed in a shooting attack near a Shiite mosque in the capital, Muscat, including four Pakistani citizens and one Omani police officer. The three gunmen were also killed, and another 28 people of various nationalities were wounded, Agence France-Presse reported.

ISIS claimed credit for the attack on Tuesday on the messaging service Telegram.

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