New Delhi/Hyderabad 12 October (H.S.): A 46-year-old Hyderabad-based IT professional, Mohammed Yousuf, was killed in an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, while travelling with his family for the Umrah pilgrimage. His wife and three children were also injured in the October 10 incident, prompting renewed concern over the safety of Indian nationals caught up in the escalating violence in West Asia.

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed the death on Sunday and said it was in contact with the bereaved family to facilitate the repatriation of his mortal remains. The embassy has also been coordinating assistance for the injured Indians receiving treatment in Saudi Arabia.

As of Monday, three injured Indian nationals were in intensive care but reported to be stable, while two others were being treated in regular hospital wards. The remaining injured Indians had been discharged, according to the embassy's update.

The attack has brought the consequences of the regional conflict closer to Indian families, including those travelling for religious purposes. Yousuf had travelled with his family for Umrah, a pilgrimage undertaken by Muslims to the holy cities of Saudi Arabia. The injuries suffered by his wife and children have added to the family's loss and uncertainty.

India has condemned attacks targeting airports in Saudi Arabia, describing the targeting of civilian infrastructure as unacceptable. The government has expressed condolences to the families of those killed and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

Airports are critical civilian facilities used by international travellers, migrant workers and families returning home. An attack on such infrastructure can put passengers at risk, disrupt travel and complicate emergency assistance, particularly when people are caught in an unfolding security situation.

For Indians living and working in Saudi Arabia, the incident has renewed attention on the risks posed by the regional escalation. Saudi Arabia is home to a large Indian community, while regular air links connect the country with Indian cities for employment, business, family visits and religious travel.

The Indian Embassy has said it will continue to assist affected nationals and their families. The immediate priorities include medical care for the injured and arrangements for the return of the deceased's remains to India.

The incident underscores the human cost of attacks on civilian infrastructure, with one family's pilgrimage ending in a fatality and several relatives requiring medical treatment far from home.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar