‘Targeting civilian infrastructure completely unacceptable’: India condemns attacks on Saudi airports

India on Thursday condemned the recent attacks targeting Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, describing attacks on civilian infrastructure as “completely unacceptable”.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed condolences to the families of those killed and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the attacks.

“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,” the MEA said in a statement.

“We express our deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their loved ones. We wish speedy recovery for those injured. We express solidarity and stand with the people and government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” it added.

The MEA statement came after Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said that three civilians were killed and 36 others injured in attacks on the two airports on October 6 and 7.

According to GACA, emergency response teams and relevant authorities responded immediately in accordance with established protocols and emergency response plans.

At Abha International Airport, two women, residents of Moroccan and Algerian nationalities, were killed, while 28 people were injured, including Saudi citizens and residents from Bangladesh and the Philippines. The injuries ranged from minor to critical, GACA said.

At King Khalid International Airport, one Sudanese national was killed and eight people were injured, including five Saudi citizens and residents from Egypt and Pakistan.

All those injured were taken to hospitals for treatment, while the attacks also caused property damage at the two airports, according to GACA.

The aviation authority said it was coordinating with relevant authorities to assess the damage, verify the safety of airport facilities and take necessary measures to protect passengers and ensure the security of civil aviation operations.

The Houthis claimed responsibility on Monday for attacks targeting sites in Saudi Arabia, including military facilities and airports, according to reports.