Riyadh airport attack kills Indian citizen, injures 10 others in Saudi Arabia: Embassy response ‘totally unacceptable’ | Today’s news
The Indian Embassy condemned the October 10 attack on the Riyadh airport. Contacted authorities regarding 11 injured Indians. The attack initially killed 12 people, no Indian among the dead. More than 300 people were injured at Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport.
According to the latest BBC report, the death toll has risen to 13. An Indian national succumbed to his injuries on October 11, the Indian embassy in Riyadh confirmed.
“It has been learned that one Indian citizen injured in the attack in Riyadh today has unfortunately lost his life. We express our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased. We are in touch with the family and will provide all support to ensure the early repatriation of the mortal remains,” the embassy wrote in a post on social media.
In a statement on Sunday, the Indian embassy in Saudi Arabia called Saturday’s incident a “vile attack”. She said officials were monitoring the development and checking the condition of the injured Indians.
“Eleven Indians were found to be among the injured in the attack. The embassy has been in touch with local authorities to inquire about their health. Our officials have also reached out to hospital authorities. We will provide further updates as they become available,” the Indian embassy wrote.
Among the dead were four Saudi citizens and two Bangladeshis. Others were from Palestine, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Sudan and the United States. Each of these six countries lost one citizen in the attack.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has “strongly condemned” the repeated attacks on the airport. It said recent strikes had caused deaths, injuries and damage to property. The ministry expressed its condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
“Repeated attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are completely unacceptable and must stop immediately. We stand in solidarity with the people and government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in defending their sovereignty and hope that peace and normalcy return to the region as soon as possible,” the MEA said in a statement.
The Houths claim responsibility
Another attack occurred on October 11. A military coalition led by Saudi Arabia confirmed that the second attack was carried out within 24 hours of the first attack. An unidentified projectile hit Terminal 4, used for domestic flights.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for the targeted attacks. The group said it attacked the airport in three phases.
It claimed that the strikes had disrupted air traffic and completely closed the airport. The report describes the Houthis as an important strategic partner for Iran.
The Saudi coalition in Yemen said an unidentified projectile hit a passenger terminal and caused a fire. Forces linked to the recognized Yemeni government reported eight airstrikes against Houthi positions near Taiz, according to Al Jazeera.
The Yemeni government also said troops were advancing towards the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Its ground offensive was aimed at recapturing territory held by the Houthis. Meanwhile, a missile reportedly struck a departing oil tanker passing through the Strait of Hormuz, Al Jazeera reported.
