Hyderabad man Mohammed Yousuf Ali, 46, was killed when a projectile struck King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh as he waited with his wife and three children to travel to Madinah for Umrah. His family members also sustained injuries in the attack.

A journey undertaken for religious pilgrimage turned into a family tragedy for Mohammed Yousuf Ali, a resident of Mehdipatnam in Hyderabad, when an attack on Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh claimed his life.

Ali was at the airport with his wife and three children, preparing to travel to Madinah for Umrah, when a projectile struck the airport premises at around 3 pm local time. According to reports, a section of the airport’s roof collapsed on him, leaving him critically injured. He later succumbed to his injuries.

His wife and children were also caught in the attack. One of his sons sustained a serious knee injury and underwent surgery, while another son suffered leg injuries and received medical treatment. His wife and daughter were reported to be safe. Other reports indicated that a child had undergone abdominal surgery.

Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi confirmed Ali’s death and shared updates on the condition of his family members in a post on X.

He said one of Ali’s sons was undergoing knee surgery, while another was hospitalised with serious leg injuries, including the loss of three toes. Ali’s aunt, who was travelling with the family, also sustained head injuries but was reported to be out of danger.

Owaisi said he was in contact with Ali’s brother-in-law in Riyadh to coordinate updates and assistance for the family.

Family awaits clarity on funeral arrangements

Ali’s death left his family and community in Hyderabad grieving as they awaited further information about arrangements for his last rites.

Abdul Alam Khan Ameen, the imam of Ali’s local mosque, confirmed his death in an interview with ANI. He said Ali had travelled to Saudi Arabia with his family and that local representatives, including Owaisi and MLA Majid Hussain, were in contact with the family and the Indian Embassy.

According to the imam, embassy officials had reached the scene, while arrangements for the funeral were yet to be finalised. Initial information suggested that the last rites might be conducted in Saudi Arabia.

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed grief over Ali’s death and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family.

“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,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.

11 other Indians injured

Ali was among the victims of the attack on King Khalid International Airport, which also left 11 other Indian nationals injured.

According to the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, three of the injured Indians were admitted to intensive care units but remained stable. Two others were being treated in regular hospital wards, while the remaining injured had been discharged.

The attack came amid escalating hostilities involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi rebels, with Riyadh airport reportedly targeted in repeated strikes over the weekend.

The incident raised concerns about the safety of Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia, including those travelling for religious pilgrimages.

India condemns attacks, issues advisory

India strongly condemned the repeated attacks on the airport, describing strikes against civilians and civilian infrastructure as “completely unacceptable” and calling for an immediate end to them.

The Ministry of External Affairs also urged Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia to remain alert, stay indoors when necessary and follow instructions issued by local authorities through official channels.

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh reiterated the advisory, asking Indian citizens to exercise caution and monitor official communications as the security situation developed.