Indian Embassy Clarifies Reports on Casualties from Iranian Strikes in Saudi Arabia
Clarification from the Indian Embassy
On March 9, the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia refuted claims circulating in the media about the death of an Indian citizen due to Iranian strikes in Al Kharj city. The embassy confirmed that while an Indian national sustained injuries from the attack, there were no fatalities. They expressed relief over the situation, stating, "The Embassy has been in contact with the relevant Saudi authorities regarding this matter." Furthermore, Counsellor (CW) Shri Y. Sabir visited the injured individual at a local hospital in Al Kharj.
Initial Reports and Reactions: Reports emerged on Sunday evening indicating that an Indian national was among two fatalities following a projectile strike in a residential area of Saudi Arabia. The military projectile reportedly hit a compound associated with a maintenance and cleaning firm in Al-Kharj, resulting in two deaths and injuring twelve others. A spokesperson from the Saudi Civil Defence confirmed that the incident involved casualties from both Indian and Bangladeshi nationalities, along with material damage to the site.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East intensified after a joint operation by the US and Israel on February 28, which resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran launched strikes against Israel and US military installations in the Gulf region, marking the conflict's tenth day on Monday.