Source India Today
A deadly strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has claimed the life of an Indian national and left his young children injured. The incident occurred during a major aerial attack launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebel group, which killed 12 people and left hundreds wounded.
A Journey That Ended in Grief
The victim has been identified as Mohammad Yousuf Ali. What began as a normal travel day turned into a nightmare when explosions rocked the airport complex.
Ali’s family was caught directly in the chaos. According to officials and local representatives, his two sons suffered severe injuries: one required urgent knee surgery, while the other suffered grave wounds resulting in the loss of three toes. Ali’s wife and daughter managed to escape physical harm, while an elderly relative traveling with them sustained non-life-threatening head injuries.
The attack left widespread damage across the civilian terminal. Thick smoke filled the halls as passengers ran for shelter, and emergency medical teams rushed to transport the wounded to nearby hospitals.
Indian Officials Step In
India’s External Affairs Ministry and the Indian Embassy in Riyadh responded immediately. Officials confirmed that at least 11 Indian citizens were among the hundreds injured during the weekend assault.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed deep sorrow over Ali’s death, offering condolences to the grieving family. Indian diplomats in Saudi Arabia are visiting hospitals to monitor the recovery of the injured and are coordinating with local authorities to send Ali’s mortal remains back home to India as quickly as possible. The government strongly condemned the strike, reiterating that attacks against ordinary civilians and public airports are unacceptable.
Rising Tensions and Safety Measures
The assault marks the third time within a week that Riyadh’s main international airport has been targeted. The Houthi group claimed responsibility and warned travelers and airlines against flying into Saudi airports.
In response to the growing security threat, Saudi authorities have stepped up safety rules across the capital. Schools in Riyadh were shifted to online classes for the week to keep children safe at home. While air defenses continue to guard the skies, the loss of innocent civilian lives has caused widespread grief and sparked fresh calls across the region for an immediate halt to the violence.
