India has strongly condemned the attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia after one Indian national was killed and three others were injured in incidents at Dammam King Fahd International Airport and an oil depot on October 21.
The statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs read, “One Indian national unfortunately died and two others were injured in the attack on Dammam airport, while another Indian national was injured in the attack on the Shaybah oil field.”
The ministry further extended its condolences to the family of the Indian national killed in the airport attack and wished those injured a speedy recovery. Besides, it added that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh was in contact with the Saudi authorities to provide all possible assistance to the affected Indian nationals.
India also reiterated that attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure were unacceptable and must be stopped immediately. The ministry expressed solidarity with the people and the government of Saudi Arabia in safeguarding the Kingdom’s sovereignty while calling for peace and a return to normalcy in the region.
The statement comes after a Houthi-led barrage of drones attacked energy infrastructure and civilian facilities in Dammam. The Shaybah oil field is a significant part of the Kingdom’s energy sector.
Two people were killed and eight others were injured in the attack at Dammam airport, according to the country’s civil aviation authority. A Saudi national and an Indian national were killed in the attack, the General Authority of Civil Aviation said. It added that the extent of the property damage was yet to be established.
In recent weeks, Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia’s oil fields and civilian infrastructure have escalated significantly. The attacks have forced Riyadh to shut down its main airport and postpone a major investment conference.
According to media reports and a tally of official figures, attacks on Saudi airports have killed nearly 22 people this month. The escalation also raises concerns as energy supplies are being disrupted.
A Houthi maritime blockade of the Red Sea is threatening oil shipments from Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest crude oil exporter.
The latest attack followed the collapse of a year-long truce in Yemen’s civil war in July. The Iran-backed Houthis are fighting Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which is supported by a Saudi-led coalition.