Telangana Man Dies After Riyadh Airport Missile Strike
Shaik Sayeed, a Starbucks worker from Telangana, has died following the Houthi missile attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport.
Shaik Sayeed, a 36-year-old resident of the Kamareddy district in Telangana, has passed away following the Houthi missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Sayeed, who had been a dedicated employee at a Starbucks outlet within the airport for nearly 12 years, died between November 3 and November 4, 2026.
His death follows a grueling three-week battle for survival in the intensive care unit of the King Fahd Armed Forces Hospital.
A Devastating Toll on Civilian Infrastructure
The missile strike, launched by Iran-backed Houthi rebels on October 10, targeted the major aviation hub, resulting in widespread casualties. The initial attack caused 12 fatalities and left over 300 people injured. With the passing of Sayeed, the death toll from the incident has risen to 14, consisting of four Saudi citizens and 10 foreign nationals.
Second Indian National Lost to the Strike
Sayeed is the second Indian national to succumb to injuries resulting from this specific missile attack. The first victim was 46-year-old Mohammed Yousuf Ali, an IT professional from Hyderabad, who was in the Kingdom for an Umrah pilgrimage with his family when the strike occurred.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has confirmed the passing of the Telangana native. Ambassador Shri Vipul expressed his condolences, noting the prolonged struggle Sayeed endured before his death.
Family Left Devastated
Sayeed leaves behind a grieving family in Telangana, including his mother, his wife, and three children—two daughters and one son. While his two brothers are currently in Riyadh, family sources suggest that his final rites will likely take place in Saudi Arabia. The Indian Embassy has stated it is offering full assistance to the family during this period of mourning.
Rising Casualties in West Asia Conflict
The tragedy underscores the growing risks faced by Indian nationals in the region due to escalating tensions. According to data from India's Ministry of External Affairs, approximately 23 to 24 Indian nationals have been killed in the West Asia conflict since it escalated in February 2026. This figure includes 15 seafarers.
In a related maritime incident, an Indian seafarer was recently killed aboard the vessel MSV Al Jusufi off the coast of Oman, though the Omani Coast Guard successfully rescued 13 others from the same vessel. The Indian government continues to call for the de-escalation of regional hostilities and the protection of civilian infrastructure.