India Urges Vigilance for Nationals in Saudi as Houthi Attacks Escalate

India has issued a urgent advisory for its citizens in Saudi Arabia, urging them to 'remain alert and vigilant, stay indoors as necessary' as Houthi militants intensify their drone and ballistic missile attacks on key Saudi infrastructure. This comes after recent strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport resulted in casualties and significant flight disruptions, leading to airlines like Air India cancelling services. The escalating hostilities mark a critical phase in the long-running Saudi-Houthi conflict, deeply intertwined with the civil war in Yemen where the Iran-backed Houthis have been making territorial gains and targeting Saudi border regions, energy facilities, and civilian areas. Saudi authorities reported three deaths and 36 injuries from these recent airport attacks, prompting strong condemnation from India's Ministry of External Affairs against the targeting of civilian infrastructure. The Houthis have also expanded their control around the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, further complicating regional security and global shipping. As the conflict widens, with the Saudi-led coalition retaliating with airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, the situation remains highly volatile. Indian nationals are advised to strictly follow local authority instructions and official embassy updates, while the wider international community watches for potential ripple effects on regional stability and a worsening of Yemen already severe humanitarian crisis. The possibility of other nations being drawn into the conflict, highlighted by discussions around the 'Mecca Pact' defense agreement, adds another layer of concern to this dangerous escalation.