Telangana Man Dies in Riyadh Airport Missile Strike
An Indian man from Telangana has died after a missile strike at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, bringing the regional Indian death toll to 24.
A 36-year-old Indian national from Telangana has passed away after sustaining injuries during the Riyadh airport missile strike that occurred on October 10. Sheikh Saeed, a resident of Kamareddy, succumbed to his injuries between November 3 and November 4 while receiving intensive care at a hospital in Riyadh, including the King Fahd Armed Forces Hospital.
Saeed had been living and working in Saudi Arabia for nearly 12 years, most recently serving at a Starbucks outlet located within King Khalid International Airport. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh officially confirmed his passing on November 6.
A Growing Toll for Indian Nationals
Saeed’s death marks the second Indian fatality resulting from the October 10 attack, which Saudi authorities reported caused 12 deaths and over 300 injuries. The previous victim was identified as 46-year-old Mohammed Yousuf Ali, an IT professional from Hyderabad who was at the airport awaiting an Umrah flight. His sons are reportedly still undergoing medical treatment.
This latest tragedy brings the total number of Indian fatalities linked to the ongoing West Asian conflict since February to 24, a figure that includes 15 seafarers. Saudi authorities have attributed the missile strike to Iran-backed Houthi rebels, although no official claim of responsibility has been made by the group. Further attacks targeting Dammam airport and Aramco facilities have also resulted in injuries to Indian nationals.
Impact on Families and the Expat Community
The loss has devastated Saeed’s family in Kamareddy, which includes his wife, two daughters, and one son. Two of his brothers are also currently working in Saudi Arabia. Following the tragedy, the family has decided to proceed with his burial in Riyadh.
The volatility in the region has had a significant impact on the massive Indian diaspora in the Gulf. With more than 10 million Indians residing in the region and approximately 18,000 seafarers operating in its waters, safety concerns have led to a mass exodus. Since late February, over 300,000 Indians have returned to their home country due to regional instability and flight disruptions.
Maritime Incidents and Regional Tensions
Beyond airport strikes, the maritime sector has also faced danger. On November 2, Indian seafarer Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Devbhumi Dwarka, Gujarat, was killed when an unidentified aerial projectile struck the Indian-flagged vessel MSV Al Jusufi near the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel was transporting dates from the UAE to India when the incident occurred. While 13 of the 14 Indian crew members were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard, the loss of life highlights the growing risks in the region.
As tensions continue, the Indian government has called for the protection of commercial shipping and an end to hostilities, while embassies maintain 24-hour helplines to assist citizens during this period of regional de-escalation efforts.