New Delhi: A drone attack in Oman’s Sohar City claimed the lives of two Indian nationals and injured 10 others on Friday.
The incident took place in the Al-Awahi industrial area, where falling debris from a downed drone struck workers, India’s Additional Secretary (Gulf) Aseem Mahajan confirmed during the Inter-Ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia.
“I wish to share with all of you an incident which has happened in Sohar City in Muscat today. There was an attack, and in this incident, two Indian nationals have died. We express our deepest condolences to their families,” Mahajan said.
The attack stemmed from debris falling from a downed drone, which killed two expatriate workers and wounded several others,
Oman’s st
ate news agency quoted via Al Jazeera sources in reporting that the drone crashed in the industrial zone, while another drone was shot down in the same Sohar province. This highlights escalating regional tensions amid ongoing conflicts.
“Of the 11 injured, 10 are Indians. Out of them, five have been discharged after receiving treatment, and five others are receiving treatment in local hospitals. None of them is reported to have sustained serious injury. Our mission is in close touch with the concerned company and local authorities and is rendering all assistance,” Mahajan clarified, assuring that India’s diplomatic team is providing full support.
Referring to the Safesea Vishnu, attacked on March 9 near Basra in Iraq, Majahan said: “An update on Safesea Vishnu, which came under attack on the 9th of March near Basra in Iraq — the 15 crew members have been safely evacuated and are currently lodged in a hotel in Basra.”
“Efforts are also underway to transport the mortal remains of the deceased Indian national and for safe repatriation of the 15 rescued seafarers. Our mission team is in Basra and is rendering all assistance,” he added.