Hyderabad Techie Among 13 Killed in Riyadh Airport Attack
A 46-year-old IT professional from Hyderabad, Mohammed Yousuf Ali, was among the 13 people killed during a Houthi projectile attack at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10. The tragedy unfolded while Ali was at a check-in kiosk with his family, preparing for a flight to Medina.
Chaos at the Check-in Kiosk
The attack, which was claimed by Iran-backed Houthi rebels, caused significant destruction within the airport terminal. According to reports, Ali sustained critical injuries from falling debris during the strike and later succumbed to his wounds in a hospital. Saudi authorities have released CCTV footage that captures the moment of destruction within the terminal.
The scale of the incident was massive, resulting in at least 13 fatalities and leaving more than 300 individuals wounded. Among the injured were 11 Indian nationals.
A Family Devastated
The attack has left Ali's family in a state of profound crisis. While his wife, daughter, and aunt escaped with minor injuries, his two sons remain hospitalized with serious complications:
- One son is currently undergoing knee surgery.
- The other son has suffered the loss of three toes.
With the assistance of the Indian embassy, the family ultimately decided to bury Ali in Riyadh. Officials from the embassy attended the funeral to support the grieving family.
Diplomatic Response and Safety Warnings
The incident has drawn significant attention at the international level. On October 16, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, addressed the UN Security Council. He emphasized that the safety of the nearly 10 million Indians living in GCC countries is a core national interest and condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure.
In a video message issued on October 15, Ambassador Vipul urged the Indian community to prioritize safety by:
- Staying indoors during security alerts.
- Strictly adhering to all instructions provided by Saudi authorities.
- Refraining from filming or sharing footage of attack sites, as such actions are illegal.
The Indian embassy has confirmed that it is maintaining active helplines to provide continuous support to affected families.
Travel Disruptions and Regional Security
The attack caused immediate ripples in regional travel. Flights operated by major carriers, including Air India and IndiGo, remained suspended through mid-October. Many travelers were forced to seek alternative routes through Bahrain, Kuwait, or Qatar to reach their destinations.
In the maritime sector, the Shipping Ministry confirmed on October 17 that Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf are safe. Authorities are closely monitoring vessels and managing repatriation efforts as geopolitical tensions persist across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain. Additionally, Indian missions in the UAE have warned residents to be vigilant against fraudulent social media agencies attempting to solicit fees for jobs or visas.