Houthi Missile Strikes Kill 3 at Saudi Airports
Houthi missile strikes on major Saudi Arabian airports have left three people dead and 36 others injured, sparking widespread concern across the region and causing significant travel disruptions. The attacks, which targeted key aviation hubs, have prompted an official condemnation from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
Casualties at Abha and Riyadh Airports
Saudi civil aviation authorities confirmed that the missile strikes occurred on 6 and 7 October, hitting two critical locations. The impact was devastating, particularly at Abha International Airport, where two deaths and 28 injuries were recorded.
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh also came under fire, resulting in one death and eight injuries. Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for the strikes. Yahya Saree, a spokesman for the group, stated that a ballistic missile hit the Riyadh airport and issued a stern warning to all airlines currently operating within Saudi airspace.
Indian Nationals and Regional Impact
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has expressed its support for the Saudi government and its people following the attacks. While the ministry has not yet confirmed if any Indian nationals were among the casualties at the airports, the incident is of high concern given the large Indian community in the kingdom.
Approximately 27 to 30 lakh Indian nationals currently reside in Saudi Arabia. Many of these residents rely heavily on Abha and King Khalid International airports for transit to major Indian cities, including:
- Kerala
- Hyderabad
- Lucknow
- Delhi
Tanker Attack in the Strait of Hormuz
In a separate but related escalation, a projectile strike hit the Panama-flagged tanker MT On Peace (IMO 9893204) in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman on 6 October. The attack injured twelve crew members, eleven of whom are Indian nationals.
The injured crew members were quickly transported to hospitals in Khasab, Oman, for medical attention. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has extended its gratitude to the Omani authorities for their rapid assistance and has called for the urgent protection of international shipping lanes.
Widespread Travel Disruptions in the UAE
The instability has caused a ripple effect across the Middle East