Hyderabad: A Hyderabad resident died in Saturday’s attack on the international airport in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed that an Indian national died in the attack. AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi identified the deceased as Mohammad Yousuf Ali of Mehdipatnam. India has condemned the attacks on the airport.
In a post on X, the embassy expressed condolences over the death. It said it is in touch with the bereaved family. The embassy added that it is making arrangements to repatriate the body at the earliest. Over 300 people sustained injuries in the attack, including 10 Indians, the embassy said.
Owaisi said on X that Yousuf Ali’s two sons sustained injuries in the attack. One son is undergoing knee surgery, he said. The other son is in hospital and has lost three toes, according to Owaisi.
Owaisi said Yousuf Ali’s wife and daughter are safe. His aunt, who was with the family, suffered head injuries but is out of danger. In an earlier post, which he said was subject to verification, Owaisi had reported injuries to the wife and two children. He later confirmed Yousuf Ali’s death.
Owaisi said he had spoken to the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. He is also in touch with Yousuf Ali’s brother-in-law in Riyadh. The DCM assured him that the embassy is taking care of the matter, Owaisi said. He urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to provide every possible assistance to the family.
MBT condemns missile attack at Riyadh airport
Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT) spokesman Amjed Ullah Khan strongly condemned the missile attack at King Khalid International Airport. “There is no place for terrorism anywhere in the world,” he said. Khan said such attacks on innocent civilians are highly condemnable. He called for every effort to protect the lives of innocent people.
Khan expressed grief over Yousuf Ali’s death and offered condolences to the bereaved family. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured family members. According to Khan, Yousuf Ali had travelled to Saudi Arabia with his family to perform Umrah. The family was reportedly heading towards Madinah when the incident occurred at Riyadh airport.
Khan said the two sons, Amaan (16) and Abdul Wasay (13), are undergoing medical treatment. He said Yousuf Ali’s wife and seven-year-old daughter Maryam are reportedly safe. Yousuf Ali’s aunt, Atiya Sultana, also sustained injuries, Khan said.
Khan appealed to Jaishankar to direct the Indian Embassy in Riyadh to extend all possible help to the family. He sought the best available medical treatment for the children and every necessary support for the bereaved family. He also asked the Ministry of External Affairs and the embassy to coordinate with Saudi authorities and the family. This would help arrange the final rites in line with the family’s wishes and applicable procedures.
Khan said he is constantly in touch with NRIs in Riyadh for updates on the children and the family. He assured the family that he would keep following up to ensure timely help from the authorities. Khan reiterated that innocent civilians must never become victims of violence and terrorism. He urged the Government of India to stand firmly with the family during this difficult time.