Tragedy struck an Indian family living in Saudi Arabia when a missile attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport claimed the life of a man from Hyderabad. The incident also left his two sons injured, one of whom is undergoing surgery, while the other’s injuries led to the amputation of toes. The family belongs to the Mehdipatnam area of Hyderabad, Telangana.
Embassy Response and Family Assistance
The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia has confirmed the death and extended condolences to the family of the deceased, Mohammad Yousuf Ali. The embassy has assured the family of support in repatriating the body back to India. They are coordinating with family members to ensure timely assistance. Local politician Asaduddin Owaisi has also expressed his condolences and confirmed that the family is receiving necessary aid.
Attack Details and Wider Impact
The missile strike, which occurred on a Saturday, has been attributed to Houthi rebels from Yemen. The Saudi-led coalition holds these rebels responsible for the attack that increased the death toll to 13 and left over 300 injured. Besides the Indian victim, the deceased also include citizens from several countries such as Bangladesh, the United States, and Egypt.
International Reactions
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has strongly condemned the attack, labelling such acts on civilians and infrastructure as wholly unacceptable. This incident marks the deadliest attack in a Gulf Arab nation since the escalation of the conflict in Yemen.
Continued Tensions and Security Concerns
The missile attack targeted the airport’s domestic terminals, escalating security concerns for international travellers. The aggression has led to questions regarding potential changes in flight operations in and out of Riyadh. Meanwhile, coalition forces are strategizing a military response to counter Houthi actions.
Photo by Ivan Bandura on Unsplash
