Houthi Attack on Riyadh Airport Claims 14 Lives, Including Two Indians

The death toll from the October 10 attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has risen to 14, as confirmed by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. This increase follows the passing of a second Indian national who succumbed to critical injuries sustained during the assault.

The embassy announced via its official X account that the individual had been in intensive care and sadly died from his injuries. The embassy is making arrangements to repatriate the deceased’s remains to India, or alternatively, to conduct a funeral in Riyadh, per the family’s wishes.

The attack, attributed to the Iran-backed Houthi militia, resulted in 309 injuries. The initial death count stood at 12, but rose to 14 following the subsequent fatalities of the two Indian nationals.

Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Shri Vipul, expressed his condolences, stating: “I am deeply saddened at the unfortunate passing of Indian national Shaikh Sayeed last night. He got grievously injured in the Riyadh airport attack and battled bravely for his life for more than three weeks.”

Shaikh Sayeed, from Telangana's Nizamabad district, is survived by his wife and three children. During this tragic time, the embassy remains in contact with family members and is working with Saudi authorities to provide necessary medical care and support.

In addition to the fatalities, the ambassador confirmed that another Indian national from Kerala remains in stable condition in the intensive care unit, while another injured individual is receiving treatment in a regular ward. The embassy continues to monitor their conditions closely.

Ambassador Vipul condemned the targeting of civilian areas and infrastructure, stating that such actions lead to the loss of innocent lives. He hopes for the restoration of peace in the region, emphasising the need for safety and security.

The Houthi attack on the airport claimed lives from various nationalities, including four Saudi citizens and ten foreign nationals from countries such as Bangladesh, the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, and Sudan. The situation in the region remains tense as authorities assess the aftermath of this violent incident.