Hyderabad IT Pro Killed in Houthi Missile Strike at Riyadh Airport
A 46-year-old IT professional from Hyderabad, Mohammed Yousuf Ali, has been killed following a Houthi missile attack at Riyadh airport. The tragedy occurred while Ali and his family were at King Khalid International Airport, waiting to depart for Medina to perform the Umrah pilgrimage.
The incident took place around 3 p.m. local time on October 10, when debris from the missile strike struck the family. While the initial impact occurred on the 10th, Ali succumbed to his injuries the following day, October 11. His death brings the total death toll from the attack to 13 individuals.
A Family Devastated by Violence
The missile strike did not just claim the life of Mr. Ali; it left his family with life-altering injuries. His two sons, 18-year-old Aman Ali and 16-year-old Wasi Ali, were severely wounded in the blast:
- Aman Ali: Required emergency surgery on his knee.
- Wasi Ali: Suffered the amputation of three toes.
Ali's wife, Sameera, and their 11-year-old daughter, Maryam, sustained minor injuries. Additionally, an aunt who was traveling with them was treated for head wounds but is reported to be out of danger. The family, residents of Grace Apartments in Mehdipatnam, Hyderabad, are currently in deep mourning.
Details of the Airport Attack
The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for the strikes, which specifically targeted Terminals 3 and 4 of the airport. The attack resulted in a massive casualty count, with more than 300 people injured. The victims represent a wide range of nationalities, including citizens from Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, the US, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, and Sudan.
The security situation in the region remains volatile, as subsequent strikes were reported at Riyadh airport on October 11, as well as at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.
Diplomatic Response and Regional Impact
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has strongly condemned the attacks. Minister S. Jaishankar expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and has promised full assistance from the Indian government. The Embassy of India in Riyadh has confirmed Mr. Ali's death and is currently facilitating the repatriation of his remains while providing medical support to the injured.
Regarding other Indian nationals caught in the crossfire:
- Three injured Indians are currently in stable condition in the ICU.
- Two others are recovering in general hospital wards.
This incident highlights the growing instability affecting Indian nationals in the Gulf. Since February, approximately 8 lakh Indians have returned home due to regional conflicts. This follows other recent security concerns, such as the disappearance of two Indian sailors after a strike on the MT Petro Dolphin near Oman’s Sohar Anchorage. Despite these tensions, millions of Indians continue to live and work across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain.