Daijiworld Media Network - Riyadh
Riyadh, Oct 13: The Indian Embassy in Riyadh on Tuesday advised Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia to remain calm and vigilant and stay indoors in the event of an aerial attack, while opening a 24x7 control room to provide assistance amid the evolving security situation.
“In view of the current situation, all Indian nationals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are advised to remain calm and vigilant, stay indoors in case of an aerial attack, and follow the instructions issued by local authorities through official channels,” the Embassy said in an advisory.
It also strongly advised Indian nationals against circulating or reposting videos or news related to the ongoing developments.
The Embassy urged Indians to remain in regular contact with their airlines and verify the latest status of their flights. Those facing emergencies and wishing to leave Saudi Arabia may consider flights from airports in neighbouring Gulf countries, particularly Qatar and Bahrain, subject to obtaining visas in accordance with the respective countries’ regulations.
“In view of the evolving situation, the Embassy has opened 24x7 Control Room to provide necessary assistance to Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia,” it said.
Providing an update on Indian nationals injured in the October 10 attack on Riyadh airport, the Embassy said four people remained in the intensive care unit (ICU), four were receiving treatment in the general ward and three had been discharged.
“Embassy officials continue to visit the hospitals where the injured Indian nationals are receiving medical treatment, and are in constant touch with their family members and providing all possible support,” it added.
The funeral rites of Mohammed Yousuf Ali, the Indian national who died in the attack, were completed in Riyadh on October 12 in accordance with his family’s wishes. The Indian Ambassador and Embassy officials attended the funeral.
On October 11, India condemned the attack on Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport, describing attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure as unacceptable and calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
“The repeated attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are completely unacceptable and must cease immediately,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.
“We stand in solidarity with the people and the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in defence of their sovereignty, and hope that peace and normalcy returns to the region at the earliest,” it added.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation said on October 10 that the attack targeting King Khalid International Airport on Saturday afternoon had killed 12 people and injured 309 others.