Indian pilgrim killed as roof collapses in Riyadh airport attack

An Indian pilgrim died when a section of the roof fell on him at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh during the Houthi strike. He was part of a 13‑person Umrah group waiting for a connecting flight. The victim hailed from Mehdipatnam in Hyderabad; officials have not released his name. His family members were also hurt. One son required surgery for a knee injury, another son is being treated for a leg wound. His wife and daughter escaped injury, while an aunt suffered a head injury but is now stable. The Indian foreign ministry said the embassy will give the family all necessary help. At least ten Indian nationals were injured in the same attack. Overall, the assault left 12 people of different nationalities dead and injured more than 300 others. The incident marks the deadliest strike in the Gulf region since the Iran‑Saudi conflict intensified in February, when Iran responded to attacks on its interests by targeting civilian and military sites across Gulf states.

Context

The airport attack is part of a series of Houthi operations aimed at pressuring Saudi Arabia over its role in the regional conflict. Such attacks often affect pilgrims and travellers, highlighting the broader security risks for religious journeys in the region.