Surveillance footage shows smoke and fire at the moment of an attack at King Khalid International airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Img: Saudi Ministry of Media)
Riyadh: The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia confirmed the death and said it was in contact with the bereaved family. The mission has assured them of all possible assistance, including arrangements for the early repatriation of the deceased's mortal remains.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also expressed grief over the death and said the Indian government would extend support to the family. Embassy officials have been coordinating with local authorities and hospitals to check on the condition of other injured Indian nationals.
Mohammed Yousuf Ali, a resident of Hyderabad's Mehdipatnam area, was at the airport with his wife and three children when the attack took place. According to reports, the family was waiting at the airport before continuing its journey to Madinah.
Yousuf suffered critical injuries in the strike and later died. His two sons were hospitalised, with one reportedly undergoing knee surgery. His wife and daughter were also caught up in the incident, while other relatives received medical attention.
The Indian Embassy has been monitoring the treatment of injured nationals and coordinating assistance with Saudi authorities.
The missile strike hit the King Khalid International Airport complex in Riyadh on October 10. The reported death toll subsequently rose to 13, while more than 300 people were injured.
A Saudi-led coalition has blamed Iran-backed Houthi rebels in neighbouring Yemen for the attack. The incident is part of a wider escalation of hostilities affecting Saudi Arabia and other parts of the region.
India has strongly condemned repeated attacks on Riyadh's airport, describing assaults on civilians and civilian infrastructure as unacceptable. New Delhi has called for an immediate halt to such attacks and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
The Indian Embassy has also advised Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia to remain alert, follow instructions from local authorities and stay indoors when necessary as the security situation develops.
