Hyderabad Man Killed in Riyadh Airport Missile Attack
Mohammad Yousuf Ali from Hyderabad lost his life in a Houthi missile attack at Riyadh airport while traveling for Umrah with his family.
A tragic incident has claimed the life of a 46-year-old resident of Hyderabad, Mohammad Yousuf Ali, during a missile strike at Riyadh airport in Saudi Arabia. The victim was in the midst of a religious pilgrimage, traveling with his family for Umrah, when the attack occurred.
Tragedy During Umrah Pilgrimage
According to AIMIM leader Mirza Samiullah Baig Chand, the incident took place on Saturday afternoon around 3:00 PM. Mohammad Yousuf Ali, an IT professional who resided in Riyadh, had recently returned to his hometown of Hyderabad to collect his family for the sacred journey. He was accompanied by his wife, three children, and a relative.
The family was reportedly in the process of preparing for their next leg of travel—moving from Riyadh to the holy city of Madinah—when the Houthi missile attack struck the airport. While the attack caused immediate injuries, the news of Ali's passing was confirmed later on Sunday, following the Maghrib prayer.
Family Members Injured
The impact of the attack extended to Ali's family members. Masjid Imam Abdul Alam Khan Ameen shared that while Ali's wife and children are currently safe, one of the children had to undergo abdominal surgery due to injuries sustained during the strike. The family was staying at Grace Apartments in Mehdipatnam, Hyderabad, before departing for Saudi Arabia.
Diplomatic and Political Response
In the wake of the tragedy, prominent leaders and diplomatic channels have been activated to support the grieving family. AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi and local MLA Majid Hussain have been maintaining constant communication with the family and Indian Embassy officials in Saudi Arabia to facilitate necessary arrangements.
Embassy officials have reportedly reached the site of the attack to manage the situation. There is currently no confirmation regarding whether the funeral rites for Mohammad Yousuf Ali will be conducted in Saudi Arabia or repatriated to India, though preliminary information suggests the burial may take place locally in Riyadh.
Houthi Forces Claim Responsibility
The missile strike is part of a broader escalation in the region. Yemeni Houthi forces claimed responsibility on Sunday for a series of major operations involving ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones targeted at Saudi airports and energy infrastructure over a 24-hour window. The group declared Saudi airspace unsafe, making an explicit exception only for the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.