New Delhi: India on Thursday condemned attacks on international airports in Riyadh and Abha, calling the targeting of civilian infrastructure unacceptable.
The Ministry of External Affairs expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia’s people and government after the strikes caused civilian casualties.
“India condemns the attacks over the past few days targeting Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which have resulted in civilian deaths and injuries.”
“The targeting of civilian infrastructure is completely unacceptable. We express our deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their loved ones. We wish speedy recovery for those injured,” the ministry said.
“We express solidarity and stand with the people and government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” it added.
Houthis claim missile strike
India’s response followed a claim by Yemen’s Houthi fighters that they had struck King Khalid International Airport with a ballistic missile on Thursday morning.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said on X that the missile hit its target “with precision” and disrupted airport operations. He warned international airlines against flights through Saudi airspace, except over Mecca and Medina, threatening “consequences”.
The strikes come amid an escalation between the Iran-backed Houthis and Saudi Arabia. The group has targeted Saudi cities, energy facilities and shipping. Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have launched a counteroffensive against it.
Blasts trigger safety measures
AFP reported that multiple blasts were heard in Riyadh on Thursday. Diplomats subsequently received instructions to take shelter inside their embassies.
Residents told the agency that international schools had introduced safety precautions. One school moved children into a basement, according to their accounts.
Two people employed in Riyadh’s business district told AFP that some companies also evacuated staff from the area.
India urges regional peace
New Delhi has repeatedly called for dialogue and de-escalation in West Asia. It has also condemned attacks on commercial shipping, civilians and infrastructure across the region.
External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has called for safe navigation and the uninterrupted movement of commerce through international waterways.
India also condemned an attack on the commercial vessel MT El Gaia off Oman’s coast. One Indian seafarer was reported missing, while 13 others were rescued.
Houthi attacks also figured in talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on the sidelines of the Brics Summit.
