Riyadh airport attack: Indian national dies as death toll rises to 13

An attack on one of Saudi Arabia’s busiest airports has claimed another life, with an Indian national succumbing to injuries two days after the strike on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. The death has raised the toll from the October 10 attack to 13, while hundreds of people were injured.

The Embassy of India in Riyadh confirmed the death on Sunday, October 11, and said it was in touch with the deceased’s family to arrange the early repatriation of the mortal remains. The development comes amid further attacks on Saudi airport infrastructure, raising fresh concerns about civilian safety.

What happened in the Riyadh airport attack?

The October 10 attack targeted King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital. Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the strike, according to Reuters. Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) initially reported 12 deaths and 309 injuries. The fatalities included four Saudi citizens and foreign nationals from Bangladesh, the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Sudan.

The death toll from that strike subsequently rose to 13 after the Indian national died from their injuries.

What is the condition of the injured Indian nationals?

In updates posted on X, the Indian Embassy said its officials had visited hospitals treating Indians injured in the attack. Three Indian nationals remain in intensive care but are stable, while two others are being treated in regular hospital wards. The remaining injured Indians have been discharged, the Embassy said.

The Embassy also expressed condolences to the deceased’s family and assured them of assistance with repatriation. It thanked Saudi authorities for providing medical care to the injured. Earlier, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the Embassy was in contact with local authorities and hospitals to monitor the condition of Indian nationals affected by the attack.

What did Saudi Arabia say about the casualties?

GACA said all injured people were receiving medical treatment at several hospitals, including those in critical condition. The initial toll of 12 included four Saudi citizens, two Bangladeshi nationals and one citizen each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Sudan, according to the authority’s statement.

The Indian national’s death was confirmed separately by the Embassy, bringing the toll from the October 10 strike to 13.

Has Riyadh airport faced further attacks?

Yes. Reuters reported that another attack targeted Riyadh airport on Sunday, October 11, killing a Pakistani resident and injuring 11 others. Saudi authorities said a projectile struck Terminal 4, causing a fire. The follow-up strike came a day after the attack that killed 12 people initially and injured more than 300. Saudi authorities have also reported other intercepted projectiles and attacks targeting infrastructure elsewhere in the country.

The sequence of incidents has heightened concerns over the security of airports and other civilian infrastructure as tensions involving Saudi Arabia and the Houthis escalate.

How has the international community responded?

Australia condemned the Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia, including the attack on Riyadh airport. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said: “Houthi attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are unacceptable and must cease.”

The attacks have placed renewed attention on the risks faced by travellers, airport workers and other civilians as Saudi authorities assess damage, treat the injured and strengthen security measures.

For the Indian families affected, the immediate concern remains the recovery of those hospitalised and the return of the deceased national’s mortal remains to India.

(With inputs from ANI)