Indian Pilgrim Killed in Houthi Missile Strike at Riyadh Airport
A devastating Houthi missile strike in Riyadh at King Khalid International Airport has claimed the life of an Indian software engineer and left several others critically injured. The attack occurred at approximately 3:00 p.m. local time on October 10, striking a terminal area where passengers were waiting.
The victim, 46-year-old Mohammed Yousef Ali, was a resident of Mehdipatnam in Hyderabad. He was at a check-in kiosk with his family, preparing for an Umrah pilgrimage, when the projectile struck. Ali succumbed to his injuries following the blast.
Impact on Victims and Families
The strike caused widespread casualties within the terminal. Ali's wife and children also sustained injuries; his sons are currently undergoing surgery to treat injuries to their legs and knees.
The total death toll from the attack reached 12 people, including:
- Four Saudi nationals
- Two Bangladeshis
- Individuals from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, and Sudan
More than 300 people were injured in the incident. Among the wounded, at least 11 Indians have been identified. While three individuals have been discharged from medical care, eight remain hospitalized, with four currently in the intensive care unit (ICU).
Official Condemnation and Diplomatic Support
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemned the attack on civilian infrastructure, calling it "totally unacceptable" and affirming India's solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh is providing daily support to the affected families. Ambassador Vipul attended Ali's funeral to offer condolences to the grieving family.
Flight Suspensions and Travel Advisories
In the wake of the security breach, Indian carriers have suspended flights to several major Saudi destinations, including:
- Riyadh
- Dammam
- Jeddah
- Medina
The Indian Embassy has issued an advisory urging citizens to remain vigilant. Travelers and residents are advised to stay indoors during alerts and to avoid filming or sharing images of impact sites to ensure compliance with Saudi legal regulations.
Growing Regional Instability
This incident highlights the escalating tensions in the region. Since late February, regional conflicts have contributed to the departure of over 300,000 Indians from the Gulf. Beyond the Riyadh airport strike, Houthi actions have also impacted Indian seafarers and workers in Oman and the UAE, necessitating ongoing repatriation and medical support efforts from Indian missions.