Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 22: India on Thursday strongly condemned attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia after an Indian national was killed and three others were injured in separate incidents targeting King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and Saudi Aramco's Shaybah oil field.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the attacks as “completely unacceptable” and called for an immediate halt to such strikes. The attacks took place on October 21 amid escalating missile and drone strikes targeting key installations in the Gulf nation.
“We strongly condemn the continued attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including the attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and Saudi Aramco's Shaybah oil field in the Eastern Province on October 21. These attacks have unfortunately resulted in civilian deaths and injuries,” the MEA said in a statement.
According to the ministry, one Indian national was killed and two others were injured in the attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, while another Indian national sustained injuries in the attack on the Shaybah oil field.
Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) confirmed that two people, including an Indian resident and a Saudi citizen, were killed in the attack on Dammam airport on Wednesday evening. Eight others were injured, including two Indian nationals, two Yemenis, two Bangladeshis, one Nepalese national and one Saudi citizen. The injured were receiving treatment at various hospitals.
The airport, which had also been targeted earlier this month, resumed operations following the latest attack, with air traffic returning to normal, according to Saudi authorities.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh said it was in contact with Saudi authorities to ascertain further details, reach out to the affected families and provide all possible assistance to the injured Indian nationals.
The MEA conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the family of the Indian national who lost his life and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
“We reiterate that the attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure are completely unacceptable and must cease immediately. We stand in solidarity with the people and the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its sovereignty, and hope that peace and normalcy would return to the region at the earliest,” the ministry said.
The attack on the Shaybah oil field in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province also left an Indian national injured. Saudi authorities had earlier stated that air defence systems thwarted an attempt to target the oil field, but falling shrapnel caused casualties.
The latest incidents come amid a series of missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi airports, energy facilities and other critical infrastructure. Although Iran-backed Houthi rebels have carried out a prolonged campaign against Saudi Arabia, authorities have not publicly identified those responsible for the latest attack on Dammam airport.
Earlier this month, an Indian national was killed following an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The incident was part of a series of attacks on Saudi aviation infrastructure that prompted India to repeatedly condemn strikes against civilian targets.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has urged Indian nationals living in Saudi Arabia to remain alert, follow instructions issued by local authorities and take shelter indoors during aerial attacks. Indian nationals have also been cautioned against filming or sharing photographs and videos of drone or missile interceptions and their impact sites, as such activities could attract legal consequences under Saudi law.
Saudi Arabia is home to approximately 2.74 million Indian nationals working across various sectors. The large Indian community forms an important link between the two countries, making the safety and welfare of Indian citizens in the Kingdom a key concern for New Delhi.
India has reiterated its support for Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and called for an immediate end to attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure, while expressing hope that peace and normalcy would return to the region soon.