Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
An Indian national has died after being injured in an attack on Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the Indian Embassy said on Sunday. The embassy said 11 Indians were among more than 300 people injured in the attack on Saturday, and one of them later died. The strike was the latest in a series of attacks targeting the airport over the past week.
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India condemned the repeated attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, calling them “completely unacceptable” and saying they “must cease immediately”. The Ministry of External Affairs also said India stood in solidarity with the people and government of Saudi Arabia and hoped peace and normalcy would return to the region at the earliest.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh said one Indian national injured in the attack had “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,” it said in a social media post.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also expressed grief over the death. “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,” he said in a post on X.
In another post, the embassy said it had been following up on the “dastardly attack” on Riyadh airport and was in touch with local authorities and hospital authorities about the injured Indians. “It is learnt that 11 Indians are among those injured in the attack. Embassy has been in touch with local authorities to enquire about their well-being. Our officials have also reached out to the hospital authorities,” it said. The embassy also said Akasa Air had extended the suspension of all flights to and from Riyadh till October 13.
The MEA said, “We strongly condemn the repeated attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport over the past few days, including the dastardly attack on October 10, which have led to loss of lives, injuries and damage to property.” It added, “We express our condolences to the families of the deceased and wish speedy recovery to the injured persons.” Saudi Arabia has blamed Yemen’s Houthis for the attack.
Besides the Indian national, those killed in the attack included four Saudi citizens, two Bangladeshi nationals, a Palestinian, a US citizen, an Egyptian, a Jordanian, a Syrian and a Sudanese. In view of the security situation, the Indian Embassy on Thursday had advised all Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia to remain alert and vigilant, stay indoors when necessary, and follow instructions issued by local authorities.
The attack has left one Indian dead and 11 Indians among the injured, prompted a strong response from India, and led to continued outreach by the embassy to the affected families, hospitals and Saudi authorities.
With PTI Inputs
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
