NEW DELHI, October 22 (Aalimi Nation) – An Indian national was killed in an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday evening, India's Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday. The Dammam airport attack also left several people injured, according to official statements from both countries.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh said in a social media post that one Indian national was killed and two sustained injuries, and that it was still gathering further details and reaching out to the affected families. The Ministry of External Affairs later confirmed that two people in all had died and eight were injured. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of the deceased," the embassy said. It also wished a speedy recovery to the injured, who were taken to hospital.
What Saudi authorities have said
Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation said the airport was targeted on Wednesday evening and that the attack caused material damage to the airport grounds. Security and maintenance teams assessed the site before operations resumed, the authority said. Flights bound for the airport were temporarily diverted, and incoming and outgoing traffic was delayed for a time.
The authority later said full operations had resumed and air traffic had returned to normal once safety and security checks were completed.
Saudi authorities have not publicly named those responsible for this specific attack. The nationality of the second person who died was not given in the official statements reviewed, and that detail remains unconfirmed.
A second incident involving an Indian
Separately, the Indian Embassy said it had learnt that one Indian national was injured in an attack at the Shaybah oilfield on Wednesday. Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Energy said air defences thwarted an attempt to target the field, and that two residents died and two were injured by falling shrapnel. The ministry said operations were not affected. The embassy said it was in contact with the Saudi authorities and would provide all necessary assistance.
Wider context
Yemen's Houthi movement has carried out a series of drone and missile strikes on Saudi airports and energy facilities in recent weeks. The group has said its attacks are retaliation for Saudi restrictions on the airports and seaports it controls, including Sanaa airport, while analysts describe the campaign as pressure for a political settlement. Earlier this month, an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed one Indian national and injured several others, according to the Indian mission.
The United States Embassy in Riyadh issued a security alert on Wednesday warning of the possibility of further attacks on Saudi Arabia.
Advisory for Indians in the Kingdom
India has condemned attacks on Saudi Arabia, particularly those hitting civilian sites, and has called for an immediate end to hostilities. The Indian mission has advised nationals to stay alert, follow local instructions and take shelter indoors during aerial attacks. It has also cautioned people against filming or sharing images or videos of interceptions or impact sites, saying this could carry legal consequences under Saudi law. According to the mission, about 2.74 million Indians live in Saudi Arabia.
Further official updates are expected as the casualty details are verified.
