Hyderabad IT Engineer Killed, Family Injured in Riyadh Airport Strike
The tragic news of a Hyderabad IT engineer killed in a Riyadh airport attack has devastated the Mehdipatnam community after a Houthi missile strike hit King Khalid International Airport on October 10. Mohammed Yousuf Ali, a 46-year-old professional who had lived and worked in Riyadh for a decade, succumbed to his injuries on October 11 following the devastating projectile strike.
A Family Caught in the Blast
Ali was traveling with his family to perform Umrah when the missile struck the airport. The incident occurred while the family was waiting to board a flight to Medina, turning a spiritual journey into a catastrophe. Ali suffered catastrophic injuries, including the amputation of both legs, and reportedly passed away following a heart attack.
The attack also left several of his family members with severe injuries:
- Aman (18): His son, who underwent knee surgery and remains under medical observation.
- Wasi (16): His son, who suffered severe leg trauma and the amputation of digits.
- Maryam (11): His daughter, who required surgery to treat wounds caused by flying glass fragments.
- Sameera: His wife, who sustained injuries during the blast.
- Atiya Sultana: An aunt who underwent head surgery; she is currently reported to be out of danger.
A commemorative ghayabana namaz was held in Hyderabad to honor Ali, while his funeral was conducted in Riyadh in the presence of the Indian Ambassador, Vipul.
Mass Casualties and Regional Instability
The missile strike resulted in widespread devastation at the terminal. According to updates from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy as of October 14, the attack caused approximately 300 casualties. The death toll includes 13 individuals of various nationalities, including Saudi, Bangladeshi, and American citizens.
Among the Indian nationals affected, between 11 and 12 people were initially reported injured. As of the latest update, three have been discharged, while eight remain hospitalized, with four individuals in intensive care.
Flight Suspensions and Safety Advisories
In response to the heightened security risks and subsequent strikes on Aramco facilities, several major Indian carriers have taken precautionary measures. Air India, IndiGo, Air India Express, and Akasa have all suspended flights to Saudi Arabia, with services expected to remain halted until at least October 17.
The Indian Embassy has issued an urgent advisory to all Indian citizens currently in the region, urging them to stay indoors and strictly follow the instructions provided by local authorities. This incident comes amid broader regional escalations, following reports of six deaths and one missing person among Indians in the Gulf region, alongside more than 300,000 returnees since late February.