Jordanian father of two killed in Houthi airport attack, leaving children in grandfather's care

On Monday, thousands of Jordanians assembled in Amman to mourn Mahmoud Hassan Al Barqawi, a 33-year-old father of two who met his untimely demise in the attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Al Barqawi, who had been working diligently to secure a better future for his family, was buried at Sahab Cemetery in the Jordanian capital with a large congregation of mourners and officials in attendance.

Al Barqawi relocated to Saudi Arabia approximately two years prior and was employed at a café situated near the airport. His ultimate aim was to bolster his family's financial situation and lay the groundwork for a brighter future for his two young children. Just a week before his tragic end, Al Barqawi returned to Amman, dedicating himself to spending quality time with his loved ones and maintaining regular visits to friends and acquaintances.

His father recounted that Al Barqawi was making promising strides in his job, displaying unwavering optimism about the road ahead.

The news of Al Barqawi's demise initially reached his family through a friend in Riyadh, followed by official confirmation from Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Upon learning of his death, Al Barqawi's father took on the responsibility of raising and caring for his two grandchildren, vowing to provide for them until the very end.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed Al Barqawi's passing on Sunday, revealing that four other Jordanians had also been injured during the assault. While two of the wounded were discharged from the hospital, two Jordanian women remain under medical care, with the ministry diligently monitoring their conditions in collaboration with Saudi authorities.

The Jordanian government unequivocally condemned the attack, reaffirming its unwavering solidarity with Saudi Arabia in safeguarding the nation's security, stability, and the safety of its people and territories. Moreover, the ministry orchestrated the repatriation of Al Barqawi's remains to Jordan, enabling his family to bid him farewell in a befitting ceremony.