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Airwars Assessment
On Friday, March 13, 2026, an alleged Iranian drone crashed in the Al-Alwahi industrial area, located in the Omani city of Sohar, killing two Indian nationals and injuring 11 other people – 10 of whom were reported to be Indian nationals as well. The names of the victims have not been found among local sources, though this assessment will be updated if more information emerges. A second drone crashed in an open area nearby without causing any injuries.
On the morning of March 13, the Oman News Agency (citing a “security source”) reported “that two drones crashed in the Wilayat of Sohar. One crashed in the Al-Awahi industrial area, resulting in the deaths of two expatriates and several injuries. The other crashed in an open area, but no injuries were reported.” Citing an Indian government statement, NDTV and Economic times reported that “10 Indians were among 11 people injured” and that out of those 10, “five have been discharged after receiving treatment, and five others are receiving treatment in local hospitals.”
The Additional Secretary of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Aseem Mahajan stated: “We lost two Indian nationals today in an attack in Sohar, Oman in the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Several other Indian nationals were also injured. We express our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. Our Mission in Oman is in touch with the local authorities as well as the employer company and is extending all possible assistance.” Al-Rashad Press mentioned that the victims were “expatriate workers.”
Al-Rashad Press pointed to Iran as the belligerent in this attack, in a statement that “This security development reflects the dangerous escalation of indiscriminate military activity in the region. […] It is worth noting that these operations fall within Tehran’s escalation strategy of using suicide drones to target safe countries and international waterways, in an attempt to export its military and political crises to neighboring states. Tehran resorts to “cross-border terrorism” as a tool for pressure and blackmail, thus placing the security of the entire region at the mercy of Iranian ambitions and reckless actions that make no distinction between military targets and civilian infrastructure.’’
Al-Rashad Press was the only available source that attributed the drone strike and resulting civilian harm to Iran. Therefore, the strike status of the incident has been graded as “single source claim” while civilian harm has been graded as “fair” until further information is found.