Two Indian nationals were killed and 10 others wounded in an attack in Muscat, the government said on Friday, amid rising tensions across the Gulf region with the United States, Israel and Iran exchanging fire for the 14th straight day.
Speaking at an inter-ministerial press conference on the recent developments in West Asia, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the casualties and said several Indian nationals were among those injured in the incident.
Asim Mahajan, Assistant Secretary of State for Gulf Affairs, said: “An incident occurred in the city of Sohar in Muscat today, where an attack occurred, and in this incident two Indian citizens were killed.” path Dubai Abu Dhabi news live
He added: “We express our sincere condolences to their families.”
According to the Middle East News Agency, five of the infected Indians have already been discharged from hospital, while the remaining five are currently undergoing treatment. Officials said that none of the injured were reported to be in serious condition.
A drone accident was reported in Sohar
Earlier on Friday, Al Jazeera reported, citing the state-run Oman News Agency, that two people were killed after drones crashed in Sohar Governorate, but their nationalities were not immediately confirmed.
Citing a security source, the report stated that a drone struck the Al-Awahi Industrial Area, killing two foreign nationals and wounding a number of others. Another drone reportedly landed in an open area without causing any casualties. The report added that the authorities have begun an investigation into the incident.
Earlier this week, Oman’s official media also reported drone strikes on fuel tanks in the port of Salalah.
MEA says: Monitoring of Indian sailors in the Gulf region
Amid growing security concerns in the region, officials said India is closely monitoring the safety of Indian sailors working on board ships operating in Gulf waters.
Rajesh Kumar Sinha of the Ministry of Shipping said 24 Indian-flagged ships carrying 677 Indian sailors are currently operating west of the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf.
He added that three ships flying the Indian flag are still present east of the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf of Oman, with 76 Indian sailors on board. The Jag Prakash oil tanker left the area on Thursday.
Across the wider Gulf region, about 23,000 Indian seafarers are currently working on commercial and naval vessels. The Directorate General of Shipping remains in constant touch with them through their participating agencies, Sinha said.
