Singaporeans in Saudi Arabia urged to stay vigilant after deadly missile strikes, says Zaqy Mohamad

Singapore's Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs, Zaqy Mohamad, has urged Singaporeans in Saudi Arabia to remain vigilant following a deadly missile attack on the country's international airport. Mohamad expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and injuries resulting from the Houthi missile strike at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday (Oct 10).

He emphasized that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are unjustifiable and called for an end to the violence to bring about peace and stability to the region.

The Acting Minister acknowledged the fears of Singaporeans, especially those with family members in Saudi Arabia or planning a pilgrimage (Umrah). He advised them to follow the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' (MFA) travel advisories and register with MFA for safety. The Houthi attacks began on Oct 6 when the rebels struck two international airports, killing two and injuring 28.

On Oct 7, two additional airports were targeted, resulting in 36 injuries and the death of three foreign citizens. The worst attack occurred on Oct 10, with 12 fatalities and 309 injuries, including nationals from Saudi Arabia, the USA, Bangladesh, Egypt, and Jordan.

In coordinated strikes on the same day, a projectile hit King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, causing large fires at a gas facility and the Tanajib oil refinery. On Oct 12, another missile strike at King Khalid International Airport damaged two terminals and caused a fire in a domestic passenger hall, resulting in the death of a Pakistani national and 11 injuries.