Indian killed, 10 others injured in Houthi attack on Riyadh airport; embassy extends assistance

At least 10 Indian nationals were injured in the missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh that killed 12 people and wounded 309 others, the Indian Embassy said on Sunday, as New Delhi strongly condemned the repeated strikes on civilian infrastructure and assured assistance to those affected.

The Indian mission in Riyadh said it was coordinating with Saudi authorities and hospital officials to ascertain the condition of the injured Indians and ensure that they received necessary support. The October 10 attack, which struck the airport complex housing Terminals 3 and 4, was among the deadliest incidents in a series of strikes targeting Saudi aviation facilities amid escalating hostilities involving Yemen's Houthi rebels.

In a statement on X, the embassy said it had been closely following developments after the attack and was seeking information about the Indian nationals affected. "It is learnt that 11 Indians are among those injured in the attack. Embassy has been in touch with local authorities to enquire about their well being. Our officials have also reached out to the hospital authorities. We will provide further updates as they become available," it said.

Jaishankar assures assistance

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the Indian mission was taking necessary steps to assist those affected by the attack. Sharing the embassy's statement on X, he said, "Our Embassy is doing everything necessary in this difficult situation."

The embassy has not yet disclosed the identities of the injured Indians or details of their medical conditions. Saudi authorities said the wounded were receiving treatment at different hospitals, with some patients reported to be in critical condition.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly condemned the repeated attacks on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, describing the targeting of civilians and civilian facilities as unacceptable. In its statement, the ministry referred specifically to the October 10 strike, which caused extensive casualties and property damage.

The ministry expressed condolences to the families of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery. It also reiterated India's solidarity with Saudi Arabia, stressing the importance of protecting the kingdom's sovereignty and restoring peace in the region.

12 killed, over 300 injured

According to Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation, Saturday's missile attack killed 12 people and injured 309 others. The deceased included four Saudi nationals, two Bangladeshis and one citizen each from India’s neighbouring region and other countries — the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Syria and Sudan. No Indian national was reported among those killed.

The strike hit the airport complex containing Terminals 3 and 4, which primarily handle domestic flights. The attack caused significant damage and forced authorities to suspend airport operations while emergency services attended to the injured and officials assessed the safety of the facilities.

The Saudi-led military coalition blamed the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen for the attack. The group has carried out repeated strikes against Saudi airports and other infrastructure in recent days as fighting between the two sides intensified.

The October 10 attack followed earlier strikes on King Khalid International Airport during the week, which had also resulted in casualties and damage to aviation facilities. The renewed attacks have raised concerns about the safety of civilian air travel and the wider consequences of the regional conflict.

Airport operations disrupted

Saudi aviation authorities temporarily suspended operations at King Khalid International Airport following the missile strike, affecting passenger movements and flight schedules. The closure was extended on Sunday as officials continued damage assessments and security checks.

The disruption came as several countries issued travel advisories urging their citizens to exercise caution in Saudi Arabia. Airlines have also faced uncertainty over operations amid warnings about the security of airports and airspace in the region.

The Indian Embassy had earlier advised Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia to remain alert and vigilant, follow instructions issued by local authorities and avoid unnecessary movement during periods of heightened security concern. It also urged citizens to refrain from circulating videos or unverified information about security incidents on social media.

The mission reiterated its advisory on Sunday while continuing to monitor developments and coordinate assistance for affected Indians.

Regional tensions intensify

The latest strike comes amid an escalation in fighting between Saudi-led forces and Yemen's Houthi rebels, whose attacks have increasingly targeted airports, energy installations and other infrastructure.

The Houthis have warned airlines and travellers against using Saudi airports and airspace, while Saudi authorities have condemned attacks on civilian facilities and indicated that they would respond to further strikes.

The conflict has also raised concerns about the security of commercial shipping routes and energy supplies, particularly around the Red Sea and the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

US President Donald Trump has indicated that Washington is considering deeper involvement in military operations against the Houthis, adding to concerns that the confrontation could widen.

For India, the immediate priority remains the safety of its nationals in Saudi Arabia. The embassy said it would continue coordinating with local authorities and hospitals and issue further updates as information about the injured becomes available.

India has reiterated its call for an immediate end to attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure while expressing hope that peace and normalcy will return to the region.