Two Indian nationals died during the incident in Muscat’s Sohar town, Additional Secretary Aseem Mahajan (Gulf) said on Friday. He shared updates on Safesea Vishnu and noted that efforts are underway to repatriate 15 Indian nationals.
During an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia, Mahajan said, “I would like to share with all of you the incident that happened today in Sohar City, Muscat. There was an attack and two Indian nationals died in this incident. Our deepest condolences to their families.”
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Mahajan said that of the 10 injured, five had been released while the others were being treated – none of them with serious injuries. He stressed that the mission remains in close contact and continues to provide all assistance.
“Of the 11 injured, 10 are Indians. Five of them have been discharged after treatment and five others are undergoing treatment in local hospitals. None of them have serious injuries. Our mission is in close contact with the affected company and local authorities and is providing all assistance,” Mahajan said.
Two foreign workers were killed after debris from a downed drone hit an industrial area in Oman’s Sohar province, Al Jazeera reported, citing the state news agency.
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Citing a security source, Al Jazeera said the drone crashed in the al-Awahi industrial area, killing two foreign workers and injuring several others.
Another drone was shot down in Sohar province during the same incident.
On Safesea Vishnu
Giving an update on Safesea, Vishnu Mahajan said that 15 crew members have been safely evacuated and efforts are underway to safely return the remains of the Indian national along with the repatriation of the sailors.
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He said: “Update on the Safesea Vishnu which was attacked on March 9 near Basra, Iraq. 15 crew members have been safely evacuated and are currently staying in a hotel in Basra.”
“Efforts are also on for the transfer of the remains of the deceased Indian national and for the safe repatriation of the 15 rescued sailors. Our mission team is in Basra and providing all assistance,” he added.
War in Iran
The joint US-Israeli military operations that resulted in the killing of Iran’s former supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, escalated tensions across West Asia on February 28.
In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli and US assets in several Gulf countries, disrupting key shipping lanes and affecting global energy markets. As the war enters its 14th day, the firefight continues with threats that Iran will close the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting the energy needs of several nations.
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Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday expressed grave concern over the escalating crisis in West Asia, warning that the situation poses a major threat to global peace and security.
In a post on X, Guterres said the unfolding conflict had caused immense suffering to civilians and called on all parties to de-escalate and engage in dialogue.
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The UN chief called for an immediate end to hostilities and stressed that diplomacy remains the only viable way forward.
“De-escalation and dialogue are the only way out,” Guterres said, calling on all parties to end hostilities, abide by international law, protect civilians and immediately return to negotiations.
