Daijiworld Media Network - Riyadh
Riyadh, Oct 9: The Embassy of India in Riyadh has issued an advisory urging Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia to remain alert and vigilant following a reported ballistic missile attack targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, claimed by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
In its advisory, the embassy asked Indian nationals to stay indoors as necessary and follow instructions issued by local authorities through official channels.
“In view of the current situation, all Indian nationals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are advised to remain alert and vigilant, stay indoors as necessary, and follow the instructions issued by local authorities through official channels,” the embassy said.
The embassy also strongly advised Indian nationals against circulating or reposting videos or news related to the ongoing events.
The Embassy of India in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah, along with their outsourced services through VFS, continue to function normally. The embassy said it would issue further updates and advisories as and when necessary.
Indian nationals requiring assistance can contact the 24-hour helpline of the Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra (PBSK) at the toll-free number 8002471234.
The advisory follows claims by the Houthis that they carried out a ballistic missile strike targeting King Khalid International Airport. The reported incident disrupted airport operations, with smoke later seen rising from a stationary aircraft.
The cause of the reported blasts could not be independently established, and Saudi authorities had not immediately responded to requests for comment.
Flight-tracking service Flightradar24 said on X that the airport had been closed again, with the last landing recorded more than 80 minutes earlier and the last departure more than 90 minutes earlier.
A witness said fire and ambulance teams were deployed following the blasts and smoke was visible in the area. According to the witness, outgoing flights were stopped and passengers were asked to evacuate the airport, leaving their checked-in luggage behind. The number of flights affected was not immediately clear.
Earlier, India had condemned attacks targeting Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia, which reportedly resulted in civilian deaths and injuries.
“The targeting of civilian infrastructure is completely unacceptable,” the Ministry of External Affairs said.
India expressed its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and wished those injured a speedy recovery. It also expressed solidarity with the people and government of Saudi Arabia.