'Don't film missiles': India advises its nationals in Saudi Arabia amid ongoing Houthi strikes

NEW DELHI: India on Sunday advised its nationals in Saudi Arabia to follow local rules and refrain from filming or sharing information about missile and drone interceptions, amid ongoing attacks linked to Yemen’s Houthis.

“The Indian community residing in Saudi Arabia is requested to abide by local rules and regulations,” the embassy said on social media while reposting a notification issued by the directorate of Saudi civil defence.

“Filming, publishing, or sharing information related to countering missiles and drones and their impact sites exposes you to legal liability,” the notification said.

The embassy also shared an update on flight disruptions, saying Air India and Air India Express services to and from Riyadh and Dammam would remain suspended until November 7, while flights to and from Jeddah would remain suspended until October 31.

The consulate general of India in Jeddah said its 24x7 control rooms in Jeddah and Makkah continued to assist affected Indians with food, essential medicines and other immediate requirements, wherever feasible.

The consulate added that it was in regular contact with Saudi Arabia’s ministry of Hajj and Umrah and ministry of foreign affairs to address difficulties caused by the flight disruptions, particularly those involving visa validity and delayed departures.

Meanwhile, Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport was preparing to resume domestic and international flight operations on Sunday, Gulf News reported.

The report also cited the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis as saying that air defences had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched towards Riyadh on Sunday.