India condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi airports, calls targeting of civilian infrastructure unacceptable

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the targeting of civilian infrastructure was “completely unacceptable” and expressed condolences to the families of those killed and wishes for the speedy recovery of those injured.

“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 MEA said.

“Targeting of civilian infrastructure is completely unacceptable,” it added, while expressing solidarity with the people and government of Saudi Arabia.

The attacks, carried out separately on October 6 and 7, were claimed by Yemen’s Houthi movement. Saudi authorities said two people were killed and 28 injured in the attack on Abha airport, while one person was killed and eight injured at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

The latest escalation comes amid renewed fighting in Yemen between the Iran-aligned Houthis and Saudi-backed forces. The conflict has intensified around the Red Sea and the strategic Bab el-Mandeb strait, a major international maritime route.

Saudi-led coalition forces have responded to the recent attacks with strikes on Houthi military targets in Yemen. The coalition said it had destroyed 82 military targets, including missile facilities, command centres and weapons depots.

India has previously condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi territory and warned that strikes targeting civilian and economic facilities threaten regional security and freedom of navigation around the Bab el-Mandeb.