NEW DELHI: An Indian man from Hyderabad, who was travelling for Umrah, has died following an attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, while three other Indian nationals remain in intensive care, the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia confirmed on Sunday (Oct 11).
The three patients are in stable condition, while two other Indians remain admitted to regular hospital wards. The remaining injured nationals have been discharged, according to the embassy’s latest update.
The death comes amid a series of attacks on Saudi Arabia’s airports and energy facilities, with another projectile striking Riyadh airport on Sunday, a day after an assault killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300.
Hyderabad man’s family also injured in attack
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi identified the deceased as Mohammad Yousuf Ali, a resident of Hyderabad.
According to Owaisi, Ali was travelling to Medina for Umrah when the attack occurred. His wife and children were also injured.
Owaisi said he had spoken to a relative of the deceased and contacted the Indian Embassy in Riyadh to seek assistance for the family.
The embassy confirmed that its officials had visited hospitals treating Indian nationals injured in the attack.
“Our Embassy officials have visited all hospitals where Indian nationals injured in the attack have been admitted,” it said in a statement on X.
The embassy thanked Saudi authorities for providing medical treatment and assured affected families of continued support.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also expressed condolences over the death and said the Indian mission would assist the bereaved family.
Riyadh airport targeted again as Houthis claim attacks
The Indian national’s death followed the October 10 attack on King Khalid International Airport, which initially left 12 people dead and more than 300 injured.
The toll subsequently rose to 13 after the Indian national succumbed to his injuries.
On October 11, another projectile struck Terminal 4 of the airport and caused a fire, adding to concerns over the safety of passengers and airport infrastructure.
Yemen’s Houthi forces have claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi airports and energy facilities.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed the group conducted four operations using missiles and drones over a 24-hour period.
The group said its targets included King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and two energy facilities associated with Saudi Aramco.
The claims concerning the individual targets and operations were made by the Houthis.
Indian Embassy issues safety advisory
Amid the attacks, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh has advised Indian nationals across Saudi Arabia to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary exposure to danger and follow instructions from local authorities.
The mission has also asked Indians to stay indoors when necessary and avoid circulating unverified videos or reports related to the unfolding situation.
Embassy operations in Riyadh, consular services in Jeddah and services provided through VFS continue to function normally, according to the advisory.
Indian nationals requiring assistance can contact the 24-hour Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra helpline at 8002471234.
India has condemned the repeated attacks on Saudi civilian facilities.
The Ministry of External Affairs said attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure were unacceptable and called for an immediate end to the violence.
New Delhi also expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reiterated its support for the kingdom’s sovereignty amid the escalation. - The Statesman/ANN
