International condemnation follows Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia; India, Nepal issue advisories

France, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and India are among several countries and organizations that have condemned recent Houthi militia attacks on Saudi Arabia, which killed three people and injured 36. The attacks targeted Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that targeting civilian infrastructure is “completely unacceptable” and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has issued an advisory for Indian citizens in the Kingdom to remain alert, stay indoors as necessary, and follow local authorities’ instructions. The embassy also advised against circulating or reposting videos or news related to the ongoing events.The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) reported that two women of Moroccan and Algerian nationality died, and 28 people were injured in the Abha International Airport attack on October 6 and 7. The injured included Saudi citizens, a Bangladeshi, and a Filipino national. A Sudanese national died, and eight people were injured in the King Khalid International Airport attack, including five Saudi citizens, two Egyptians, and a Pakistani national.International Response and Regional CooperationFrance’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and called on the Houthi militia to immediately cease its attacks. Egypt, the UAE, Syria, Bahrain, and Jordan also strongly condemned the attacks, emphasizing the threat to regional security and stability. The Arab League and the Muslim World League also denounced the continued Houthi aggression, highlighting violations of international law and the UN Charter.Amidst these tensions, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have signed a preliminary agreement to develop rail links and deepen energy cooperation. The agreement, signed by Mohamed Alsuwaidi, the UAE Minister of Investment, and Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Saudi Minister of Energy and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, outlines a framework for rail links focused on moving goods and cargo, and measures for electricity interconnection and power exchange. This initiative aims to strengthen economic ties and enhance energy-system efficiency across the Gulf region.Background and EscalationThe Houthi-Saudi conflict began in 2015 with a Saudi-led intervention in Yemen. After a ceasefire in 2022, Houthi ballistic missile attacks on southern Saudi Arabia resumed on July 13, 2026, in response to Saudi-led coalition airstrikes on Sanaa International Airport. On September 8, 2026, Houthis targeted multiple locations in Saudi Arabia, injuring over 70 people. The recent attacks on October 6 and 7 followed claims by the internationally recognized government of Yemen of strikes against Houthi targets in Sanaa and Saada on October 4, after Houthis claimed to have targeted Aramco facilities in Riyadh.On October 7, 2026, the Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting and destroying a ballistic missile launched towards Riyadh. The Houthis claimed new attacks on Saudi airports and military facilities on the same day. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree issued a final warning on October 8, 2026, for airlines to avoid Saudi airspace.Nepal’s Concern for its CitizensNepal has a significant diaspora in Saudi Arabia, with approximately 384,865 Nepali citizens legally working there. The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Saudi Chapter estimates over 700,000 Nepali workers in the Kingdom. The Nepali government has prioritized the safety of its citizens in the Middle East and has begun preparations for emergency evacuation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established a WhatsApp group for immediate information exchange with Nepali embassies and consulates in the Middle East and is developing an online registration platform and app through the Consular Services Department for Nepalis to easily provide their details if emergency evacuation is needed.Nepal’s proposed ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Giri Bahadur Sunar, appointed on September 19, 2026, is scheduled for a parliamentary hearing on October 12, 13, and 14, where complaints of alleged violence against women and financial and criminal activities will be addressed.The Saudi-led coalition has stated that Houthi attacks will not go unpunished. Saudi Arabia has not yet confirmed a claimed Houthi attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 8, 2026.