Hyderabad Engineer Killed in Riyadh Airport Missile Strike
A devastating missile strike by Iran-backed Houthi rebels at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has claimed the life of a software engineer from Hyderabad. Mohammed Yousuf Ali, 46, was killed during the attack on October 10, an incident that has sent shockwaves through the Indian expat community.
Ali, a resident of Mehdipatnam, had been working in the Saudi capital for a decade. He was at the airport accompanied by his family, intending to embark on the Umrah pilgrimage, when the strike occurred.
Devastating Impact on Family
The attack did not just claim Ali's life; it left his family members fighting for their lives and dealing with severe injuries. The scale of the carnage was significant, resulting in at least 13 deaths and over 300 injuries, including 11 Indian nationals.
The personal toll on Ali's family has been harrowing:
- Aman (18): Ali's son required knee surgery and remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
- Wasi (16): His other son suffered the loss of three toes during the incident.
- Atiya Sultana: Ali's aunt underwent surgery following serious head injuries.
- Sameera and Maryam: His wife and 11-year-old daughter sustained minor injuries.
Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi confirmed the tragic details and has formally requested assistance from the Indian embassy to support the grieving family.
Burial and Current Medical Status
Mohammed Yousuf Ali was laid to rest in Riyadh on October 12. The funeral was attended by Indian Ambassador Vipul and several embassy officials. Following his burial, a ghayabana namaz was held in Hyderabad to pray for the deceased.
As of October 14, the Indian embassy reports that several Indian nationals remain under medical supervision in Riyadh. The current status of the injured includes:
- Two Indians remain in the ICU.
- One patient has been moved to the High Dependency Unit (HDU).
- Four patients are in normal wards.
- One individual has been discharged.
For those requiring immediate assistance, the embassy maintains a 24x7 control room reachable at +966-11-488469 or via WhatsApp at +966-536216082.
Flight Suspensions and Travel Disruptions
The security situation has led to significant disruptions in regional travel. Commercial flights operated by major carriers, including Air India and IndiGo, to Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, and Medina have been suspended until at least October 17.
To assist those stranded by these cancellations, Saudi authorities are providing relief regarding visa overstays for affected passengers.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly condemned the attacks, highlighting the escalating regional threats. This follows recent security concerns involving Indian seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz and near the coast of Oman.