Death of Hyderabad IT professional pushes airport strike toll to 13 as Indian embassy mobilizes emergency medical and repatriation support
RIYADH / NEW DELHI — October 12, 2026:An Indian national wounded during Saturday’s missile strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has died of his injuries, raising the overall death toll to at least 13 as three other Indian nationals remain in intensive care.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed the death on Sunday evening, identifying the victim through diplomatic channels as Mohammed Yusuf Ali, an IT professional from Mehdipatnam in Hyderabad. Ali had arrived in Saudi Arabia with his family a week earlier to perform Umrah.
His death pushes the verified fatality count from the October 10 airport strike to 13, alongside more than 300 wounded. The Saudi-led military coalition blamed Yemen’s Houthi movement for the barrage, characterizing the incident as a war crime.
Eleven Indian nationals were initially documented among the casualties. Embassy officials confirmed following direct hospital inspections that three Indians remain in intensive care units under stable conditions. Two others are receiving treatment in general hospital wards, while the remaining six have been discharged.
Hyderabad Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi confirmed Ali’s death late Sunday after speaking with relatives and the Indian mission’s Deputy Chief of Mission. Owaisi said three members of Ali’s immediate family suffered severe injuries.
One of Ali’s sons underwent knee surgery on Sunday, while a second son suffered traumatic injuries requiring the amputation of three toes. Ali’s aunt sustained head wounds but remains out of danger, while his wife and daughter escaped physical harm.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed grief over the casualty, confirming that consular teams are working directly with hospital administrators and family members to ensure medical care and facilitate the swift repatriation of Ali’s remains to India.
The Indian Embassy issued a security advisory urging the community in Saudi Arabia to exercise vigilance, remain indoors during security alerts, and rely solely on official local communiqués. Officials explicitly cautioned residents against recording, uploading, or circulating unverified footage or claims across digital networks.
Consular and visa operations across the Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah continue on normal schedules. Community members requiring emergency consular support can access the 24-hour Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra helpline at 8002471234.
