Riyadh Airport Strike Kills Indian Expat: Ambassador Urges Calm
The Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia has issued an urgent advisory to the Kingdom's 2.6 million Indian nationals following a fatal projectile strike at King Khalid International Airport, a Riyadh airport strike that has claimed the life of a long-term resident.
A Family Tragedy at the Terminal
The incident, which occurred on October 10, resulted in the death of 46-year-old Mohammed Yousuf Ali, an IT engineer from Mehdipatnam, Hyderabad. Ali had been working in the Saudi capital for a decade and was at the airport preparing for a trip to perform Umrah.
Tragedy struck while Ali was waiting with his family, including his wife Sameera, his sons Aman (18) and Wasi (16), his daughter Maryam (11), and his aunt. Debris from the strike hit the group, causing widespread devastation. While Ali later succumbed to his injuries in a hospital, his family members sustained significant injuries. Reports indicate that Aman required knee surgery, while Wasi suffered the loss of his toes due to the impact.
Embassy Advisory and Safety Protocols
In a video message released on October 15, Ambassador Vipul condemned the attacks on civilian infrastructure and expressed full solidarity with the Saudi government. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has confirmed the fatality and is actively providing medical coordination and ongoing support to the grieving family.
To ensure the safety of the Indian community, the Ambassador urged nationals to follow these critical guidelines:
- Stay Indoors: Remain inside during any periods of aerial threats.
- Avoid Filming: Refrain from filming or sharing footage of strikes or security incidents.
- Use Official Channels: Utilize the embassy's 24/7 helplines for any emergencies.
Travel Disruptions and Flight Suspensions
The security situation has had an immediate impact on regional travel. Air India and Air India Express have suspended all flights to Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah until at least October 20. Travelers currently scheduled to fly to these destinations are being forced to seek alternative routes through hubs such as Bahrain and Qatar.
India’s Diplomatic Response at the UN
The incident has also drawn significant attention on the global stage. During the UN Security Council Open Debate on the Middle East held on October 15-16, India’s Permanent Representative, Parvathaneni Harish, emphasized that the safety of nearly 10 million Indians living across the GCC—including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait—is a core Indian national interest.
Harish formally condemned the Riyadh airport attack and the targeting of commercial vessels, specifically mentioning the India-flagged MV DP World Kaveri. Furthermore, India highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal for a Seafarers Emergency Support Network to protect Indian sailors, some of whom remain missing following strikes off the coast of Oman.
Warning Against Visa and Job Scams
In a related development, Indian missions in the UAE have issued warnings to citizens regarding a rise in sophisticated visa and job scams. Authorities are cautioning nationals against fraudulent agencies operating on social media that promise guaranteed employment in exchange for fees and biometric data. Citizens are advised to verify all job offers exclusively through official embassy channels and to avoid paying for any "guaranteed" visa schemes.