The Embassy of India in Riyadh said it was in contact with Saudi authorities and hospital officials to check on the condition of the injured Indians and ensure their well-being after Houthis attack on Saturday, in which 12 people were killed and more than 300 injured.
Smoke and flames rise from King Khalid Airport, after Houthis said they attacked the airport, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo: Reuters)
At least 11 Indians were injured in the deadly attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport that killed 12 people and wounded more than 300 others, the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia said on Sunday. In a statement on X, the Indian Embassy said it had been following up on Saturday's attack, in which 12 people were killed and more than 300 injured.
"It is learnt that 11 Indians are among those injured in the attack. Embassy has been in touch with local authorities to enquire about their well being. Our officials have also reached out to the hospital authorities. We will provide further updates as they become available," the embassy said.
Saturday's strike was the third attack on Riyadh's international airport in a week, amid escalating hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
INDIA CONDEMNS REPEATED ATTACKS ON RIYADH AIRPORT
Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement condemning the repeated attacks on King Khalid International Airport over the past several days, including the October 10 strike.
"We strongly condemn the repeated attacks on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport over the past few days, including the dastardly attack on October 10, which have led to loss of lives, injuries and damage to property. We express our condolences to the families of the deceased and wish speedy recovery to the injured persons," the ministry said.
New Delhi also called for an immediate end to attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.
"The repeated attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are completely unacceptable and must cease immediately," the statement added. India expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia, emphasising its support for the kingdom’s sovereignty and its hope for a return to peace and normalcy in the region.
"We stand in solidarity with the people and the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in defence of their sovereignty, and hope that peace and normalcy returns to the region at the earliest," the MEA said.
HOUTHIS WARN AIRLINES, TRAVELLERS AGAINST USING SAUDI AIRPORTS
Meanwhile, the Houthis renewed warnings to airlines, travellers and airport workers, urging them to avoid Saudi airports and airspace following the deadly attack.
"We renew our warning to all airlines, experts, employees, workers and travellers against using Saudi airports and airspace, as they are vulnerable to attack and have become a theatre of operations for our forces, with the exception of the airports in (the holy cities of) Mecca and Medina," the group said in a post on X.
"We urge everyone to take our warnings seriously, and Saudi Arabia bears responsibility for any failed interceptions." Saudi authorities have temporarily suspended airport operations while assessing the damage and safety conditions. T
SAUDI-HOUTHI CONFLICT RAISES FEARS OF WIDER ESCALATION
The airport attack comes amid an intensification of fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces. Saudi Arabia has stepped up its military involvement in Yemen in recent weeks, launching strikes against the rebels and backing a government counteroffensive after the Houthis seized strategic territory along the Red Sea coast last month.
The Houthi-run foreign ministry warned that further Saudi military action would prompt a stronger response.
"Unless the Saudi enemy stops its aggression and interference in Yemen, worse is yet to come, God willing," the ministry said in statements carried by Houthi-run Al Masirah television.
Despite the security concerns, Saudi Arabia's energy ministry said a major international energy conference would proceed in Riyadh. The five-day WPC Energy Congress is being held at a convention centre around 10 kilometres from the airport. Saudi authorities have also shifted schools in Riyadh to remote learning from Sunday until Thursday as precautionary measures remain in place.
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With inputs from agencies