Hyderabad IT Pro Killed in Houthi Missile Strike at Riyadh Airport
A devastating Houthi missile strike in Riyadh has claimed the life of a Hyderabad-based IT professional and left his family fighting for survival. Mohammed Yousuf Ali, a 46-year-old resident of Mehdipatnam, succumbed to his injuries following the attack on King Khalid International Airport.
A Family's Spiritual Journey Turns Into Tragedy
Ali, who had been working in Riyadh for approximately 10 years, was at the airport with his family on October 10, preparing to travel to Medina for Umrah. The peaceful intention of their journey was shattered when a missile struck the airport facilities on October 11, 2026.
The impact was catastrophic for the family. Ali survived the initial strike but suffered life-altering injuries, including the amputation of both his legs. Following a heart attack, he passed away in the hospital the next day.
Injuries to Family Members
The attack also inflicted significant physical trauma on Ali's children and relatives:
- Aman Ali (18): Sustained knee injuries requiring surgery.
- Wasi Ali (16): Sustained knee injuries and the loss of three toes.
- Sameera (Wife): Sustained minor injuries.
- Maryam (11): Sustained minor injuries.
- Atiya Sultana (Aunt): Suffered head injuries but remains in stable condition.
Chaos at King Khalid International Airport
CCTV footage from the scene documented the missile impact on Terminals 3 and 4, triggering immediate chaos. The strike led to the closure of the airport and widespread flight cancellations, disrupting travel for thousands.
The scale of the carnage is immense. The attack is reported to have caused 13 deaths and left over 300 people injured. Among the casualties are 11 Indian nationals, alongside citizens from Saudi Arabia, the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, Sudan, and Bangladesh.
Diplomatic Response and Regional Security Concerns
India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, has condemned the strike, labeling the attack as unacceptable. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh is currently providing assistance to the grieving family and managing the repatriation of Ali's remains. Details of the tragedy were also confirmed by AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, following coordination with embassy officials.
This incident highlights the escalating volatility in the region. The strike is part of a broader pattern of conflict affecting Indian nationals in the Gulf. Just as the airport strike occurred, a drone attack on the Nicaragua-flagged tanker MT Petro Dolphin at Sohar Anchorage in Oman left two Indian seafarers, Bir Bahadur Yadav and Amit Singh, missing.
Rising Maritime and Regional Threats
The security situation remains critical, with several recent incidents involving Indian crews in the region:
- A projectile strike on the MT Valthera in the Strait of Hormuz.
- An attack on the MT GEM NO. 2 at Sharjah Anchorage.
- Injuries to 11 Indians aboard the MT On Peace off the coast of Oman.
As the Ministry of External Affairs and Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal monitor these developments, Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree has issued further threats of strikes against Saudi infrastructure, heightening fears of continued regional instability.