Saudi Arabia On Alert After D3adly Attacks On Airport And Shaybah Oil Facility

Saudi authorities have confirmed four deaths following separate attacks targeting King Fahd International Airport and the Shaybah oilfield operated by Saudi Aramco, amid renewed security threats against critical infrastructure in the kingdom.

The incidents occurred on Wednesday, with Indian and Saudi officials confirming that an Indian national was among those killed in the airport attack, while several other Indian citizens sustained injuries in the separate incidents.

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh said one of its citizens was among the two people killed at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. Two other Indian nationals were injured in the airport incident, while another Indian citizen was wounded in the separate attack near the Shaybah oilfield.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Indian Embassy said it had received confirmation of the casualties from Saudi authorities. The diplomatic mission added that it was working to obtain further information about the affected citizens and establish contact with their relatives.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation identified the two people killed in the airport incident as a Saudi citizen and an Indian resident. The authority also reported that eight people were injured, including two Indian nationals and citizens of Bangladesh and Nepal.

Authorities said relevant agencies were assessing the damage and inspecting airport facilities to ensure the safety of passengers and workers. Airport operations have since returned to normal.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy said air defence systems intercepted a drone that attempted to target the Shaybah oilfield. However, falling debris reportedly killed two foreign residents, identified as Filipino and Nepali nationals, while an Indian and a Pakistani citizen sustained injuries.

Despite the incident, the ministry said operations at the oilfield continued without disruption. Authorities have not publicly identified those responsible for the attacks.

The incidents have renewed concerns about drone and missile threats against strategic infrastructure across Saudi Arabia. The airport had reportedly also been targeted on October 11.

The attacks come against the backdrop of prolonged regional tensions and the conflict in Yemen, where Iran-backed Houthi rebels have previously launched attacks against Saudi targets.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Saudi authorities are continuing to assess the incidents, while Indian diplomatic officials are working to support affected citizens and their families.