A Nepali citizen has died following a suspected drone attack at Saudi Arabia’s Shaybah oilfield. The Government of Nepal condemns assaults on civilians and essential infrastructure.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, October 21, when a drone aimed at a processing facility at Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oilfield was intercepted by Saudi air defenses. Debris from the drone fell nearby, igniting a fire in a contractor’s vehicle outside the oilfield’s perimeter.
The Saudi Energy Ministry confirmed that one Nepali and one Filipino national were killed, while an Indian and a Pakistani national sustained injuries.
The identities of the deceased workers have not been publicly released.
Nepal Strongly Condemns the Attack
Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Nepali national and extended condolences to the grieving family.
In a statement on Thursday, the ministry honored the deceased and wished for a swift recovery for the injured.
It also condemned attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure, reaffirming Nepal’s stance that international conflicts should be resolved peacefully.
Nepal advocates for dialogue, negotiation, and diplomacy as the preferred methods for conflict resolution.
Drone Interception Triggers Fatal Fire
Saudi authorities reported that the drone was intercepted before it could hit its target in the oilfield’s processing facility.
However, debris caused a fire involving a contractor’s vehicle outside the facility, resulting in the deaths of two foreign workers.
This incident underscores the risks faced by workers at critical infrastructure sites amid rising regional tensions.
Saudi officials stated that normal operations at the Shaybah oilfield were not affected.
Rising Security Concerns in Saudi Arabia
This incident follows a series of attacks on airports and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia in recent weeks.
Yemen’s Iran backed Houthi movement has previously been blamed for assaults on Saudi targets; however, responsibility for the recent Shaybah attack has not been officially confirmed.
Saudi Arabia’s airports and energy facilities are vital to the economy and regional transport, making security around these sites a significant concern.
Nepali Workers Abroad Face Growing Concerns
The death has raised alarms about the safety of Nepali migrant workers in regions experiencing conflict and security threats.
Nepal’s government has highlighted the need for civilian protection and peaceful conflict resolution.
For families in Nepal, this serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by overseas workers striving to earn a living.
Authorities have not released the name or personal details of the deceased Nepali worker, but more information may be provided as the situation evolves.