Hours after the Iran-aligned Houthis warned international airlines to avoid Saudi airports, an unidentified projectile was launched toward King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The warning had been issued by the Houthis, who told carriers to steer clear of Saudi airspace amid rising tensions.
The Saudi-led coalition reported that its air defences intercepted a cruise missile near the airport. Saudi aviation authorities then said that 309 people had been injured, with some in critical condition. The high casualty count led several airlines to suspend flights to and from the kingdom, while various embassies issued travel advisories urging their citizens to reconsider trips to Saudi Arabia.
🚨 SHOCKING VISUALS FROM RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA 🇸🇦 A missile attack by Iran-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen on King Khalid International Airport has left 12 people dead and over 300 injured, including a US citizen. 🇺🇸 Meanwhile, After Pakistan's failure to help its umah brother, US President Donald Trump has hinted at joining Saudi strikes against the Houthis, saying: “We may. We’re going to look at it… We move very quickly.” This isn't distant crossfire anymore, it's a full-scale international inferno. https://t.co/TfSPgNYTKY
This incident followed a previous assault that had killed twelve people and injured three hundred, including eleven Indian nationals. One of those Indians later died from his injuries, linking the two attacks in a tragic continuum of violence.
He offered his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and said the embassy would extend all possible assistance.
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar expressed deep grief over the loss of life of an Indian national in the Riyadh attack. He offered his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and said the embassy would extend all possible assistance. The Indian Embassy later confirmed that the injured Indian national had unfortunately lost his life, conveying its condolences and stating it was in touch with the family to facilitate the early repatriation of the mortal remains.
An Indian citizen was killed in the Houthi attack on the airport in Riyadh, according to India's embassy in Saudi Arabia.
The Houthis announced that they had carried out the attack, describing it as a response to what they called brutal Saudi aggression against their country and people. They said the strike on King Khalid International Airport had been conducted in three phases, beginning the evening before, and that it had disrupted air traffic and led to the complete closure of the facility.
Beyond the airport strike, the Houthis also claimed to have hit the Shugadam gas facility and the Tanajib oil refinery in Saudi Arabia. Their spokesperson, Yahya Saree, reiterated that the operations were undertaken in retaliation for the alleged Saudi aggression, reinforcing the group’s narrative of self‑defense.
Hyderabad-based Indian injured in Riyadh airport attack dies; Foreign Minister Jaishankar expresses grief https://t.co/khGT5KyFOV https://t.co/vqANN9yyMB
He succumbed to those injuries the following day, on 2023-06-12. Separately, on 2026-10-11, the Houthis warned international airlines to avoid Saudi airports, an unidentified projectile targeted King Khalid International Airport, and Saudi air defences intercepted a cruise missile near the airport—all on the same date.
The Indian embassy continues to be in contact with the family of the deceased, working to ensure the early repatriation of the mortal remains. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has reiterated that the embassy will provide all necessary assistance.