Near Oman’s mountain-crested capital of Muscat, a uncommon act of violence last week shook a serene nation mainly bereft of even petty criminalactivity.
Gunfire sounded out, and yells of “Oh God!” were heard on July 15 in Wadi Kabir, a district east of Muscat, as 3 shooters gotin the Imam Ali Mosque.
Congregants were collected for a major spiritual occasion for Shia Muslims. But the occasion ended with 5 individuals eliminated – 4 Pakistani nationals and a policeofficer – and at least 30 others injured, according to Omani and Pakistani authorities.
In a nation recognized for “exceptional” spiritual tolerance and a long custom of coexistence, the genuine target may haveactually been Oman’s stability, particularly offered its function as a local conciliator, say experts.
Soon after, ISIL (ISIS) declared obligation for the attack – its veryfirst ever of an operation in the Gulf country.
But professionals stated it is uncertain if the attack was really brought out by ISIL. More than a week after the attack, the group hasactually used no proof otherthan a video of the 3 declared bombers — apparently bros — promising loyalty to ISIL’s leader.
With the area and world focused on Israel’s ruthless war on Gaza, ISIL — whether or not it was really behind the attack — might be attempting to stay pertinent, increasing sectarian departments, particularly in locations where essentially none exists, experts recommend.
Sowing discord to divert
“It is clear that [ISIL] relies on a technique of declaring duty for attacks even when it had no real participation, with the goal of prompting turmoil and sectarian strife,” Faozi Algoidi, a researchstudy fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, informed Al Jazeera.
“By asserting obligation for occurrences that might initially be unexpected or socially encouraged, the organisation improves the sectarian and terrorist nature of these occasions, taking the concern of sectarian dispute back to the leadingedge.”
ISIL’s objective might be to program that the organisation is still active and capable of striking anywhere, to stir fear and boost sectarian stress in locations of otherwise security and peace, like Oman, he included.
This might haveactually been why the attack happened on the celebration of Ashura, amongst the holiest times of the year for Shia Muslims, according to Andreas Krieg, a teacher at King’s Colleg