Daijiworld Media Network - Dammam
Dammam, Oct 23: An Indian national was among two people killed in an attack targeting King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, while three others were injured in strikes on Saudi state oil company Aramco’s Shaybah oilfield in the Eastern Province on October 21, officials said on Thursday, amid a series of missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on key infrastructure.
Aramco has ordered the evacuation of its headquarters in Dhahran, according to six people familiar with the matter, Reuters reported.
India has condemned the continued attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure, expressing condolences to the families of those killed and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
“These attacks have unfortunately resulted in civilian deaths and injuries. We convey our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and wish speedy recovery to those injured. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh will provide all possible assistance,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.
The Indian national killed in the attack has not yet been identified by Saudi authorities.
The ministry reiterated that attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure were 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 statement said.
Meanwhile, the MEA said efforts were underway to facilitate the early return of Indian Umrah pilgrims stranded in Mecca and Medina.
The ministry is actively coordinating with concerned airlines and tour operators to ensure the return of affected pilgrims.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said around 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims had returned from Saudi Arabia to India over the past week on available flights. This was in addition to more than 10,000 regular Umrah pilgrims who had been booked on available flights and had also returned to India during the same period.
“Our embassy and consulate, with the support from community volunteers, are extending all possible welfare assistance. 24×7 control rooms have been established,” Jaiswal said.