Hyderabad man killed in Riyadh Airport attack, 3 family members injured
Synopsis
A Hyderabad man, Mohammed Yusuf Ali, has died from injuries sustained in the Houthi-attributed attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, making him the first confirmed Indian fatality. With at least 11 other Indians wounded in a strike that killed 12 and injured over 300, the incident has drawn sharp condemnation from New Delhi and prompted an embassy advisory urging Indians in Saudi Arabia to stay alert.
Key Takeaways
Mohammed Yusuf Ali from Hyderabad died after sustaining injuries in the attack on King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh , on 11 October 2026 .
His two sons and an aunt were also injured; his wife and daughter are reported safe.
At least 11 Indians were among more than 300 people injured; the attack killed at least 12 people overall.
Saudi Arabia has blamed Houthi militants for the strike.
External Affairs Minister S.
Jaishankar and the Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed condolences and pledged assistance including repatriation of mortal remains.
The MEA called strikes on civilian infrastructure 'completely unacceptable' and issued an advisory urging Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia to remain alert.
A man from Hyderabad, Mohammed Yusuf Ali, was killed and three of his family members were injured in an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday, 11 October 2026. Yusuf Ali, who had initially sustained injuries in the strike, succumbed while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Riyadh. His two sons and an aunt were among the injured.
What Happened to the Family
Hyderabad Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi confirmed the death on Sunday night in a post on X. 'It's been confirmed that Yusuf sahab has passed away in the attack. Innalilahi wa inna ilahir rajioon. His son is undergoing knee surgery, another son is in the hospital, and 3 of his toes have been cut off. His daughter and wife are safe. His aunt (chachi) was with them and suffered injuries to the head but is out of danger,' Owaisi wrote. He added that he was in contact with Yusuf Ali's brother-in-law in Riyadh, and that the Deputy Chief of Mission had assured him the family was being cared for.
Indian Government Response
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed the death of an Indian national and pledged full support. 'It is learnt that one Indian national injured in the Riyadh attack has 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,' the embassy stated. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also posted on X: '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.' Owaisi separately urged Jaishankar to provide every possible assistance to the family.
Scale of the Attack
The strike on King Khalid International Airport killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300. At least 11 Indians were among those wounded. According to initial reports, the deceased included four Saudi nationals, two Bangladeshis, and one national each from Palestine, the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Sudan. Saudi Arabia has attributed the attack to Houthi militants. The embassy said it had been in touch with local and hospital authorities regarding the well-being of injured Indian nationals and would provide further updates.
India's Condemnation and Advisory
India strongly condemned the repeated attacks on the airport, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) calling strikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure 'completely unacceptable' and demanding an immediate halt. 'We express our condolences to the families of the deceased and wish speedy recovery to the injured persons,' the MEA said in a statement. India also expressed solidarity with the Saudi government and people in defending the kingdom's sovereignty, while hoping for an early return to peace and normalcy in the region. The Indian Embassy issued an advisory urging Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia to remain alert, stay indoors when necessary, and follow instructions from local authorities.
Point of View
The largest single diaspora cohort in any country, yet India's exposure to Houthi escalation has received little sustained policy attention. New Delhi's condemnation, while swift, has been carefully calibrated to avoid straining its economic and energy ties with Riyadh. The harder question — whether the Centre has an adequate rapid-response framework for mass-casualty events involving Indian nationals abroad — remains unanswered each time an incident like this occurs.
NationPress
12 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Mohammed Yusuf Ali and what happened to him?
Mohammed Yusuf Ali was a resident of Hyderabad who was fatally injured in the attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on 11 October 2026. He succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at a hospital in Riyadh, becoming the first confirmed Indian fatality in the strike.
How many Indians were affected in the Riyadh Airport attack?
At least 11 Indians were among the more than 300 people injured in the attack. Mohammed Yusuf Ali was the sole Indian fatality confirmed as of Sunday. The Indian Embassy said it was in contact with local and hospital authorities and would provide further updates.
Who carried out the attack on King Khalid International Airport?
Saudi Arabia has blamed Houthi militants for the attack, which killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300. India has strongly condemned the strikes, calling attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure 'completely unacceptable.'
What assistance is India providing to the affected family?
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has confirmed it is in touch with Yusuf Ali's family and will provide all support for the early repatriation of mortal remains. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar posted his condolences on X and pledged embassy assistance; Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi also urged Jaishankar to extend every possible help to the family.
What should Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia do following the attack?
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has issued an advisory urging Indian nationals to remain alert, stay indoors when necessary, and follow all instructions from local Saudi authorities. Nationals requiring consular assistance are encouraged to contact the embassy directly.
