Riyadh airport attack: Indian national killed, 10 others among over 300 injured in attack

An Indian national died after an attack at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, while at least 10 other Indians were among more than 300 people injured in the incident, the Indian Embassy said on Sunday.

The attack, which took place on Saturday, was the latest in a series of strikes targeting the airport over the past week.

The fatalities also included four Saudi nationals, two Bangladeshis and one national each from Palestine, the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Sudan.

In an update issued on Sunday, the Indian Embassy said its officials had visited every hospital where Indians injured in the attack were receiving treatment.

The embassy said 11 Indian nationals had been injured in the incident, of whom one succumbed to injuries on Sunday. Three others remained in intensive care but were stable, while two continued to receive treatment in regular hospital wards. The remaining injured Indians had been discharged, it added.

Thanking Saudi authorities for treating the injured Indians, the embassy said it would extend every possible assistance to their families.

The mission had earlier confirmed that it was in contact with the family of the deceased Indian national and would help facilitate the early repatriation of the mortal remains.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also mourned the death, expressing condolences to the bereaved family. In a post on X, he said the Indian Embassy would provide all possible assistance to them.

The embassy has issued additional contact details for people seeking information about Indians injured in the attack. Indian nationals and their families can call the mission's round-the-clock toll-free helpline at 8002471234 from within Saudi Arabia. They can also contact the embassy at +966-11-488469 or send messages on WhatsApp to +966-536216082.

The mission further announced that Akasa Air had extended the suspension of its flights to and from Riyadh until October 13.

India on Sunday condemned the attack, stating that repeated strikes against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia were unacceptable and must stop immediately.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) denounced the repeated attacks on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport in recent days, particularly the October 10 strike, which caused deaths, injuries and property damage.

The ministry also conveyed its condolences to the families of those killed and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

Saudi Arabia has blamed Yemen's Houthi rebels for the attack.

Expressing support for Riyadh, the MEA said India stood with the Saudi people and government in defending the country's sovereignty and hoped peace and normalcy would return to the region soon.

Amid the deteriorating security situation, the Indian Embassy had issued an advisory on Thursday urging Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia to remain cautious, stay indoors whenever necessary and comply with directions from local authorities.

The advisory followed an escalation in hostilities involving Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthis. In recent weeks, the group has targeted border areas, energy installations and civilian infrastructure with drones and missiles.

The embassy also cautioned Indians against sharing or reposting videos and news reports related to the ongoing developments.  (with inputs from PTI)