Houthi Missile Attacks Hit Saudi Cities: Indian Expats Among Wounded
A wave of missile and drone strikes launched by Yemen-based Houthi rebels against various Saudi Arabian cities between September 19 and 20 has left several Indian nationals injured. The sudden escalation has heightened security concerns for the estimated 27.48 lakh Indian expatriates currently living in the Kingdom.
Chaos in Riyadh and Southern Regions
The strikes included a ballistic missile targeted near Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, an incident that triggered fires at an Aramco fuel depot. The attack prompted the activation of air-raid sirens across both the capital and Al-Kharj, causing significant alarm.
The violence has also been felt in the southern parts of the country. Previous strikes have impacted several cities, including:
- Khamis Mushait
- Abha
- Taif
- Jazan
These attacks have resulted in dozens of civilian injuries, and diplomatic sources have confirmed that Indian citizens are among those wounded in the recent barrage.
India's Diplomatic Response
India's Ministry of External Affairs has voiced strong opposition to the ongoing violence. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemned the attacks as "totally unacceptable," noting deep concerns regarding the stability of the region and the safety of the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
In response to the casualties, Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri traveled to Jeddah to visit injured Indian citizens at Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital. His visit aimed to coordinate essential consular support for those affected.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has been in communication with Saudi officials to address the escalating situation.
Geopolitical Shifts and Individual Struggles
Beyond the immediate missile strikes, the conflict is expanding geographically, with reports indicating that the Houthis have seized strategic islands located near vital oil corridors. Amidst this high-level tension, individual migrant workers continue to face personal hardships. For example, Indramani Nautiyal, a truck driver from Uttarakhand, remains held due to an outstanding fine, illustrating the difficulties faced by workers during periods of instability.
Assistance for Affected Families
Indian families seeking information or assistance for relatives in the affected areas are encouraged to contact the following resources:
- The Indian Mission in Riyadh
- The Indian Mission in Jeddah
- The Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra