ISLAMABAD (AP)

— The repatriation of four Pakistani victims killed in a recent attack on a Shiite mosque in Oman has been completed, with their bodies returned to their families. The Pakistan International Airlines flights arrived at Islamabad and Lahore airports, where relatives received the remains for burial. Airline spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez confirmed that the repatriation was conducted under government orders, and hundreds attended the funerals in the victims' hometowns. The attack occurred on Monday when gunmen stormed a mosque in Muscat during special prayers for the Shiite mourning festival of Ashoura, which commemorates the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Hussein. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the assault, marking a significant escalation of violence in Oman, where such extremist actions have been rare. Omani police reported that the three attackers, who were brothers, were killed in a subsequent gunfight. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack during a meeting with Oman’s ambassador, emphasizing that Pakistan was not the intended target. He noted that some Pakistanis died while attempting to save other worshippers. The Prime Minister also expressed support for Oman in combating terrorism, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts against such threats. In a statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry condemned the violence, asserting that attacks on civilians are unacceptable. Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch reiterated the importance of international cooperation in addressing terrorism and offered assistance to Oman in the ongoing investigation.