NEW DELHI: An Indian national was among two people killed in an attack targeting the King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, while three people were injured in strikes on Saudi state oil company Aramco’s Shaybah oilfield in the Eastern Province on Oct 21, officials said Thursday, amid a spate of missile and drone strikes by Yemen’s Houthis on key infrastructure.Aramco has ordered the evacuation of its headquarters in Dhahran, six people in the know told Reuters.India has condemned the continued attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure. “These attacks have unfortunately resulted in civilian deaths and injuries. We convey our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and wish speedy recovery to those injured. The Indian embassy in Riyadh…will provide all possible assistance,” said ministry of external affairs (MEA) in a statement. The victim has not been identified by Saudi authorities so far.
Efforts on to bring stranded Umrah pilgrims back: MEA
The ministry reiterated that the attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure are completely unacceptable and must cease immediately. “We stand in solidarity with the people and the Govt of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its sovereignty, and hope that peace and normalcy would return to the region at the earliest,” said the statement.On Indians stranded in Mecca and Medina, the ministry said it’s actively engaging with concerned airlines and tour operators to facilitate the early return of affected pilgrims. “Over the past week, about 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims have travelled from Saudi Arabia back to India on available flights. This is in addition to more than 10,000 normal Umrah pilgrims who were booked on the available flights and have travelled back to India over the past week,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. “Our embassy and consulate, with the support from community volunteers are extending all possible welfare assistance. 24×7 control rooms have been established,” he added.
