Hyderabadi Killed In Riyadh Airport Attack
3 people from Telangana, 7 from other parts of India severely injured
Hyderabad: A Hyderabad-based man lost his life in Saudi Arabia’s capital city of Riyadh, and his two sons and a man from Kamareddy were severely injured after a missile struck the city’s King Khalid International Airport on Sunday.
The deceased man, Mohammad Yousuf Ali, was a resident of Mehdipatnam and has been working in Riyadh as an IT professional. About a week ago, he travelled from Hyderabad to Saudi Arabia along with his wife, two sons, daughter and his aunt to perform Umrah.
According to the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia, 10 Indians are among 300 people injured in the attack launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The Embassy said they are in touch with local authorities to enquire about their well being. Yousuf Ali is one of 13 people reportedly killed in the attack.
According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred while the family was waiting at Riyadh Airport to travel to Madinah. Yousuf was reportedly waiting near a check-in kiosk, when the missile struck the airport.
He suffered fatal injuries after debris fell on him, while both his sons sustained severe injuries. His elder son reportedly suffered multiple injuries from glass shards and is said to be in critical condition, and his aunt suffered injuries to the head while his wife and daughter were unharmed.
Shaikh Sayeed from Kamareddy was also reportedly hit by the strike, and is reportedly undergoing treatment at a hospital in Riyadh.
AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, in a tweet, said Mohammad Yousuf Ali’s “son is undergoing knee surgery, and another son is in the hospital and 3 of his toes have been cut off. I am in touch with Yousuf’s brother-in-law in Riyadh and the DCM has assured me that they’re taking care.” He also urged the Union external affairs minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to provide assistance to the family.
Jaishankar, in a tweet, said “Deeply grieved at the loss of life of an Indian national in the Riyadh attack. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. The Embassy will extend all possible assistance.”
The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia said, “It is learnt that one Indian national injured in the Riyadh attack has unfortunately lost his life today. We convey our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased. We are in touch with the family and will provide all support for ensuring the early repatriation of mortal remains.”