Second Indian Dies After Riyadh Airport Missile Strike
Sheikh Saeed, a 36-year-old Indian national, has died following the Houthi missile attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport.
Sheikh Saeed, a 36-year-old Indian national from the Kamareddy district of Telangana, has passed away following injuries sustained during the Houthi missile strike on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on October 10.
Saeed, who had been working in Saudi Arabia for approximately 10 to 12 years, was employed at a Starbucks outlet located within the airport. After fighting for his life for more than three weeks in the intensive care unit of a Riyadh hospital, he succumbed to his injuries between November 3 and 4, 2026.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed the death via a statement on X, noting that they are assisting the family. Ambassador Shri Vipul highlighted that Saeed had fought for his life for over three weeks in the ICU.
Family and Funeral Arrangements
While Saeed's mother, wife, and three children remain in Telangana, two of his brothers are currently in Riyadh. They are coordinating with the embassy and Saudi authorities at the King Fahd Armed Forces Hospital. The family has decided to hold the funeral services in Riyadh.
Saeed, who originally hailed from Islampur and resided in Sailani Baba Colony (also referred to as Saini Baba Colony), is the second Indian national to die as a result of the October 10 attack. The first victim was 46-year-old Mohammed Yusuf Ali, an IT professional from Hyderabad's Mehdipatnam, who died shortly after the strike.
The Toll of the Riyadh Airport Attack
With Saeed's passing, the death toll from the airport missile attack has reached 14. The strike caused significant casualties, with initial reports indicating over 300 injuries affecting nationals from Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, the US, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, and Sudan.
Broader Regional Conflict and Impact on Indian Expats
The ongoing hostilities in West Asia have resulted in an estimated 22 to 24 Indian deaths since February, including at least 14 to 15 seafarers. This includes the death of Gujarat native Gandhar Nahim Ajij during a strike on the Indian-flagged MSV Al Jusufi off the coast of Oman.
The current situation for Indian nationals in the region includes several ongoing developments:
- Medical Status: One Indian national from Kerala remains in the ICU in stable condition, while another is receiving care in a normal ward.
- Travel Disruptions: Air India has suspended services to Saudi cities through early November, affecting travel plans.
- Mass Returns: More than 300,000 Indians have returned home since late February due to the ongoing regional conflict.