Missile attack on Riyadh's King Khalid airport kills 12, injures more than 300

A missile attack hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, on Saturday. Twelve civilians were killed and more than 300 were injured. According to Saudi officials, the number of injured is 309. Many of the injured are in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll could rise. The attack is being described as the biggest on any Gulf Arab country in the past few years.

Saudi Arabia's aviation and security agencies have held the Houthi rebels in Yemen directly responsible for the attack. The Saudi-led coalition has also blamed the Iran-backed Houthis. According to preliminary information, the missile struck Terminals 3 and 4, which handle domestic and international flights. There is no official military base at the airport, yet places frequented by civilians were targeted, and anger is being expressed internationally. The Houthi rebels have not yet given any official reaction.

The dead are not only Saudi nationals. Besides 4 Saudi nationals and 2 Bangladeshi nationals, one national each of the United States, Palestine, Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Sudan was killed. The injured are being treated urgently at various hospitals in Riyadh.

All flights at the airport were halted immediately after the attack. Security has been tightened in the area, and a large number of police and military teams have been deployed. Several aircraft circling in the sky were diverted to other nearby airports. Many countries, including the United States, Britain, Germany, Australia and Canada, have issued urgent advisories asking their citizens not to go near Riyadh airport.

Speaking to the media, US President Donald Trump signalled that the United States is seriously considering joining Saudi Arabia's military action against the Houthi rebels. "We could also retaliate in this. We have just received detailed information about the attack, and we will take a final decision on this soon," Trump said. The Saudi-led military coalition has called the attack a "war crime" and warned of a strong response at the appropriate time.

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued an official statement expressing deep concern over the incident. "We strongly condemn the repeated attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Such violent attacks on civilians and their facilities are completely unacceptable," the ministry said. India has conveyed deep condolences to the families of the dead and said it stands with the Saudi government in safeguarding Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and security.

Indian passengers have also been affected. Air India and Air India Express have extended the suspension of their flights to Riyadh. Air India Express flights will remain cancelled until October 14, and Air India flights until October 15. Akasa Air had already cancelled its flights. Passengers are being offered a full refund of the ticket price, or the option to reschedule their travel without any additional charge.