Death Toll from Houthi Missile Attack on Riyadh Airport Rises to 14 After Another Indian National Dies

RIYADH (Terror Monitor) — The death toll from a missile attack on Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10 has risen to 14 after another Indian national critically injured in the strike died while receiving treatment in a hospital, the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia announced on Wednesday.

In a statement posted on its official X account on November 4, the Indian Embassy confirmed that the victim had died in the intensive care unit of a Riyadh hospital after spending more than three weeks battling his injuries.

"With a heavy heart, we share that another Indian national, critically injured in the 10 October attack on Riyadh airport, has passed away in ICU," the embassy said.

The diplomatic mission expressed condolences to the victim's family and friends, adding that it had remained in contact with the family throughout his treatment and would continue providing assistance.

The embassy also pledged to facilitate the transportation of the deceased's remains to India or arrange a funeral in Riyadh, depending on the family's wishes.

The latest fatality marks the second Indian national to die from injuries sustained in the October 10 attack. The first Indian victim, identified as Mohammed Yousuf Ali, died shortly after the incident, with his funeral held in Riyadh on October 12.

According to Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the October 10 attack initially killed 12 people and injured 309 others, including several who sustained critical injuries.

With the deaths of the two Indian nationals, the overall death toll has now reached 14.

The Indian Embassy had previously reported that several other Indian nationals were among those injured. In an update issued on October 23, it said that two injured Indians remained in intensive care, while others were receiving treatment in general hospital wards.

Saudi Arabia intercepts more Houthi drones and missiles

The latest death comes amid an escalation in missile and drone attacks attributed to Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement against Saudi Arabia.

Saudi air defences have intercepted several missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles targeting different parts of the kingdom in recent days, including areas around the capital Riyadh and the holy city of Makkah.

On Tuesday, November 3, the Saudi-led Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen announced that its air defences had intercepted and destroyed an unmanned aerial vehicle in the Makkah region.

Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki confirmed the interception in an official statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The announcement followed earlier interceptions involving drones and a ballistic missile directed towards other Saudi regions.

On Monday, November 2, the coalition said its air defences had intercepted and destroyed two drones over the Riyadh region. It also reported intercepting a ballistic missile launched towards the kingdom's southern region.

The Houthis, meanwhile, claimed responsibility for separate drone operations targeting King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, an early-warning radar installation in Jizan and a military transport aircraft at Jizan airport. These claims had not been independently verified.

Early Wednesday, Saudi Civil Defence also issued an emergency warning in the Riyadh region before subsequently announcing that the threat had passed.

The continuing interceptions have raised concerns about the security of Saudi Arabia's civilian infrastructure, particularly airports and other strategic facilities.

Escalating conflict in Yemen

The attacks are part of the wider conflict in Yemen, where the Iran-backed Houthi movement has been fighting the internationally recognised Yemeni government and forces supported by the Saudi-led military coalition.

The Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, in 2014, prompting a Saudi-led military intervention in March 2015 in support of the internationally recognised government.

Over the years, the conflict has expanded beyond Yemen's borders, with repeated Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi territory, including airports, military installations and energy infrastructure.

The October 10 strike on King Khalid International Airport was among the deadliest attacks on Saudi civilian infrastructure in recent years. Saudi authorities condemned the incident, while the Saudi-led coalition described the targeting of civilian facilities and passengers as a serious violation of international humanitarian law.

The attack also prompted international condemnation and renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the region.

As Saudi air defences continue intercepting incoming threats, the growing number of attacks has raised concerns about the potential impact on regional security, civilian aviation and the wider conflict in the Arabian Peninsula.