NEW DELHI / HYDERABAD:
A 46-year-old Indian man from Hyderabad, Mohammed Yousuf Ali, was tragically killed, and several of his family members sustained injuries following a missile strike on the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The victim, an IT professional from the Mehdipatnam area of Hyderabad, was traveling with his family to Madinah after performing Umrah when the attack occurred on Saturday. According to reports, the family was waiting at the airport to check in for their connecting flight when the strike hit.
AIMIM President and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi confirmed the tragic development on social media, expressing deep anguish. Sharing details about the family’s condition, Owaisi stated that one of Yousuf Ali's sons had to undergo knee surgery, while another son sustained severe foot injuries, resulting in three toes being severed. An aunt travelling with them also suffered head injuries, though she is currently reported to be out of danger. Ali's wife and daughter were reported safe.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar expressed profound grief over the death of the Indian national. In a statement posted on X, the Minister assured that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh would provide all possible support and assistance to the bereaved family, including the early repatriation of his mortal remains.
The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia confirmed that several other Indian nationals were among those injured in the sudden attack, with some admitted to hospitals for specialized care while others have been discharged after receiving treatment. Officials from the mission have visited various hospitals to check on the well-being of the affected citizens.
The assault on the high-profile civil aviation hub has drawn widespread international condemnation, escalating regional tensions and prompting strict advisories from diplomatic missions for Indian nationals residing in or traveling through Saudi Arabia to remain vigilant.
