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Saudi Arabia has warned residents against filming or sharing images and videos related to missile and drone interception operations, including footage of their crash sites, amid escalating security concerns in the region.
In a post on X, the Saudi Ministry of Interior urged people to avoid publishing such material, citing the need to protect national security. “To safeguard national security. avoid depicting or publishing scenes of confronting rockets and drones, and their crash sites,” it wrote.
Following the Saudi authorities' warning, the Embassy of India in Riyadh urged Indian nationals living in the kingdom to comply with local laws and regulations. In a post on X, the embassy asked the Indian community to follow the rules in force in Saudi Arabia.
The warning comes amid a fresh escalation in the regional conflict, after Yemen’s Houthis reportedly targeted an administrative building linked to Saudi oil giant Aramco in Dhahran, hours after the Saudi-led coalition struck an oil facility in Sanaa. Saudi authorities said the attack on the Aramco facility caused a fire, but no injuries or deaths were reported, according to Al Jazeera.
In an earlier post, the ministry had issued a warning in six languages, cautioning the public that filming, publishing or sharing information about missile and drone interception operations could lead to legal action. Saudi authorities have not specified the penalties for those who violate the warning.
“Filming, publishing, or sharing information related to countering missiles and drones and their impact sites exposes you to legal liability,” the Ministry of Interior said in a statement posted on X.
The ministry has also issued a separate warning outlining penalties for people who facilitate the entry of individuals violating the country's border security laws, transport or shelter them, or provide them with assistance.
According to the ministry's advisory, those found guilty of such offences could face imprisonment of up to 15 years, fines of up to 1 million Saudi riyals, confiscation of vehicles used in the offence and other penalties, depending on the circumstances.
The embassy had also issued a travel advisory on October 13, asking Indian nationals to remain calm and vigilant, stay indoors in the event of an aerial attack and follow instructions issued by local authorities. It also advised people against circulating or reposting videos and news related to the ongoing events.
Embassy opens 24-hour helpline
The Indian Embassy said it had opened a 24X7 control room to assist Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia during the evolving situation.
The following contact details were provided in its advisory:
Telephone: +966-11-4888469
8002471234 (Toll free: calls from within Saudi Arabia only)
WhatsApp: +966-536216082 (messages only)
Email: cw.riyadh@mea.gov.in
Several airlines suspend flights to Saudi Arabia
Several airlines have announcedflight suspensions and cancellations amid the evolving security situation in Saudi Arabia. Air India and Air India Express had suspended flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah until October 17.
Akasa Air hadsuspended services to and from Riyadh and Jeddah until the same date, while IndiGo had cancelled flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah and Medinah until October 17.
In a post on X, the Saudi Ministry of Interior urged people to avoid publishing such material, citing the need to protect national security. “To safeguard national security. avoid depicting or publishing scenes of confronting rockets and drones, and their crash sites,” it wrote.
Following the Saudi authorities' warning, the Embassy of India in Riyadh urged Indian nationals living in the kingdom to comply with local laws and regulations. In a post on X, the embassy asked the Indian community to follow the rules in force in Saudi Arabia.
The Indian community residing in Saudi Arabia is requested to abide by local rules and regulations. ⬇️
— India in Saudi Arabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) October 13, 2026
The warning comes amid a fresh escalation in the regional conflict, after Yemen’s Houthis reportedly targeted an administrative building linked to Saudi oil giant Aramco in Dhahran, hours after the Saudi-led coalition struck an oil facility in Sanaa. Saudi authorities said the attack on the Aramco facility caused a fire, but no injuries or deaths were reported, according to Al Jazeera.
In an earlier post, the ministry had issued a warning in six languages, cautioning the public that filming, publishing or sharing information about missile and drone interception operations could lead to legal action. Saudi authorities have not specified the penalties for those who violate the warning.
“Filming, publishing, or sharing information related to countering missiles and drones and their impact sites exposes you to legal liability,” the Ministry of Interior said in a statement posted on X.
The Indian community residing in Saudi Arabia is requested to abide by local rules and regulations. ⬇️
— India in Saudi Arabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) October 13, 2026
تصوير أو نشر أو تداول معلومات ذات صلة بالتصدي للصواريخ والطائرات المسيرة ومواقع سقوطها يعرضك للمساءلة القانونية.
#وزارة_الداخلية
Filming, publishing, or sharing information related to countering missiles and drones and their impact sites exposes you to legal liability.
#Ministry_of_Interior
— وزارة الداخلية ???????? (@MOISaudiArabia) October 5, 2026
The ministry has also issued a separate warning outlining penalties for people who facilitate the entry of individuals violating the country's border security laws, transport or shelter them, or provide them with assistance.
عقوبة كل من يسهل دخول مخالفي أمن الحدود للمملكة أو نقلهم داخلها أو تشغيلهم أو يوفر لهم المأوى أو يقدم لهم أي مساعدة أو خدمة بأي شكل من الأشكال.
#وطن_بلا_مخالف https://t.co/IHRTDKNScX
— وزارة الداخلية ???????? (@MOISaudiArabia) October 12, 2026
According to the ministry's advisory, those found guilty of such offences could face imprisonment of up to 15 years, fines of up to 1 million Saudi riyals, confiscation of vehicles used in the offence and other penalties, depending on the circumstances.
The embassy had also issued a travel advisory on October 13, asking Indian nationals to remain calm and vigilant, stay indoors in the event of an aerial attack and follow instructions issued by local authorities. It also advised people against circulating or reposting videos and news related to the ongoing events.
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https://t.co/gPuYrnft1i
— India in Saudi Arabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) October 13, 2026
Embassy opens 24-hour helpline
The Indian Embassy said it had opened a 24X7 control room to assist Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia during the evolving situation.
????????????????????????/???????????????????????????????? ⬇️ https://t.co/2oWJIbGYrK
— India in Saudi Arabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) October 13, 2026
The following contact details were provided in its advisory:
Telephone: +966-11-4888469
8002471234 (Toll free: calls from within Saudi Arabia only)
WhatsApp: +966-536216082 (messages only)
Email: cw.riyadh@mea.gov.in
Several airlines suspend flights to Saudi Arabia
Several airlines have announcedflight suspensions and cancellations amid the evolving security situation in Saudi Arabia. Air India and Air India Express had suspended flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah until October 17.
https://t.co/xetn3zjrEY
— Air India Express (@AirIndiaX) October 13, 2026
In view of the evolving situation in Saudi Arabia, all Air India flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah stand cancelled until 17 October 2026. We are closely monitoring and assessing the developments in the region to resume safe operations.
Affected guests are being offered a full refund on cancellation. At Air India, the safety and security of our passengers and crew remain the highest priority.
#TravelAdvisory
— Air India Newsroom (@AirIndia_News) October 13, 2026
Akasa Air hadsuspended services to and from Riyadh and Jeddah until the same date, while IndiGo had cancelled flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah and Medinah until October 17.
#TravelUpdate: October 13, 2026 | 11.30 IST
In view of the escalating security situation in the Middle East and the associated risks to safe flight operations, Akasa Air has extended the suspension of all flights to and from Riyadh and Jeddah until October 17, 2026.
This decision follows a careful assessment of the evolving situation, with safety remaining the primary consideration.
We continue to closely monitor developments and assess the situation in real time.
Passengers affected by these cancellations may opt for a full refund, which will be credited to the original source of payment within seven days, or reschedule their travel at no additional cost. Passengers who have booked through travel partners are requested to contact them directly for assistance.
The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority.
— Akasa Air (@AkasaAir) October 13, 2026
