Source HT
MUSCAT/NEW DELHI — In a grim escalation of the ongoing regional conflict, two Indian nationals were killed and ten others injured on Friday when a drone struck an industrial area in the Omani city of Sohar.
The incident occurred early Friday morning in the Al-Awahi Industrial Area, located approximately 200 kilometers from the capital, Muscat. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the casualties are the first Indian fatalities on land since the broader West Asia conflict intensified in late February.
Details of the Incident
The Oman News Agency (ONA) reported that two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) entered Omani airspace over the Sohar Governorate. While one drone crashed into an open field without causing damage, the second struck the industrial zone where many expatriate laborers work and reside.
Aseem Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) at the MEA, confirmed the tragedy during an inter-ministerial briefing:
“We express our deepest condolences to the families of the two Indian nationals who lost their lives. Of the 11 people injured in the attack, 10 are Indians. Our mission in Muscat is in constant touch with local authorities and the employer to provide all necessary assistance.”
Status of the Injured
According to the MEA, the injuries sustained by the survivors are not believed to be life-threatening.
Total Injured: 11 (10 Indians, 1 other nationality).
Current Status: 5 Indians have been discharged; 5 remain under observation in local hospitals.
Assistance: The Indian Embassy is facilitating medical care and coordinating the repatriation of the deceased’s remains.
Context of the Conflict
The strike comes amid a volatile security situation in West Asia that began on February 28. To date, five Indian nationals have lost their lives in the region—two in today’s land-based attack and three sailors killed previously in strikes on merchant vessels, including the Safesea Vishnu.
As the conflict continues, the Indian government has ramped up repatriation efforts. Officials confirmed today that approximately 150,000 Indians have already returned from the region over the last two weeks as security risks mount for the estimated 10 million Indian expatriates living in the Gulf.
