Islamic State attack on Oman mosque ? Israel responds to Houthi attacks
Islamic State claims responsibility for attack on Oman mosque
On July 15th, 2024, at least nine individuals, including three attackers, were killed and 28 wounded in a gun attack at a Shi’ite mosque in Muscat, Oman. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack shortly after, publishing an alleged video of the attack on its Telegram channel. Local police have not confirmed a motive for the attack or made any arrests. Terrorist attacks in Oman are relatively rare, with this recent incident raising fears that Islamic State may be attempting to encroach into new territory.
The attack coincided with the beginning of Ashura, a period of mourning observed by many Shi’ite Muslims to commemorate the death of the Prophet Mohammad’s grandson, Imam Hussein. Tensions have been observed surrounding Ashura in the past, though not typically in Oman. Most Omanis adhere to Sunni Islam or to the Ibadi faith and sectarian tensions are not commonly observed in the country.
The incident marks the first time that Islamic State has claimed responsibility for an attack in Oman. Islamic State is a Sunni Muslim dominated militant group known to target Shia Muslims, describing them as ‘heretics’. Though the group was largely eliminated following sustained military campaign in the early 2010s, the Islamic State appears to be attempting a comeback. Some other recent attacks claimed by Islamic State include one in Iran in January 2024 and in Moscow in March 2024.
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Israel responds to Houthi strikes targeting Tel Aviv as fighting continues in Gaza
In response to a Houthi airstrike that killed one man and injured 10 individuals in Tel Aviv on July 19th, 2024, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a series of airstrikes that hit Hodeidah, Yemen. The IDF said it also intercepted a ballistic missile fired by Houthi militants that was directed at Eilat on July 21st, 2024. The strikes aimed at Yemen mark the first time Israel is known to have responded to continued strikes by the Houthis, which the Houthis vow will continue as long as the fighting in Gaza continues. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in turn has vowed to wipe out Hamas’ military and governing capabilities, with the IDF most recently calling on residents in Muwasi, a designated humanitarian zone, to evacuate the area as it prepares its next operation.
The Israeli airstrikes, which killed three and wounded 87 individuals, targeted oil facilities and a power station near Hodeidah. The port city is a known Houthi stronghold, but also the main entry point for supplies entering Yemen, a country engulfed in a civil war since 2014 that has resulted in an estimated 18.2 million individuals being in need of humanitarian relief. While initially most of the Houthi attacks focused on fighting the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, the group has been engaging in continued strikes against vessels in the Red Sea since October 2023, causing serious disruption to trade by forcing ships to seek alternative routes.
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The continued Houthi attacks, alongside daily clashes between the IDF and Hezbollah in Lebanon, have also raised fears that the ongoing fighting could spill over into a wider regional conflict. Calls for a ceasefire continue, with protests against the ongoing war having taken place globally, including in Israel, and additional protests expected at the United States Capitol during an upcoming visit by Netanyahu. The trip is intended to further discuss ceasefire negotiations, while also expected to reset the currently strained relationship with the US. Egypt, Qatar, and the US have been seeking to push a deal that would also see the remaining hostages be returned, though no agreement has yet been reached.
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