Nepal mourns citizen killed by drone debris at Saudi oil field

Nepal has condemned attacks targeting civilians and critical infrastructure after a Nepali national died in an incident involving debris from an intercepted drone at Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oil field in Saudi Arabia.

According to a report by the Kathmandu Post, Nepal has expressed sorrow over the death of one of its citizens after debris from an intercepted drone fell at Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oil field, highlighting concerns over the safety of migrant workers amid regional tensions.

In a statement posted on X on Thursday, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended condolences to the victim’s family and wished those injured in the incident a speedy recovery.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a Nepali citizen in debris falling from an intercepted drone attack at Saudi Aramco's Shaybah Oil field yesterday,” the ministry said.

The ministry reiterated Nepal’s opposition to attacks against civilians and critical infrastructure, urging parties involved in disputes to pursue peaceful solutions through diplomatic channels.

“Reaffirming our principled position, Nepal continues to call for the peaceful resolution of disputes including through dialogue, negotiation, and diplomatic engagement,” the statement said.

The incident has drawn attention to the risks faced by Nepali nationals working across the Gulf region, where migrant workers are employed in industries including construction, security, hospitality and energy.

Saudi Arabia remains a major destination for Nepali migrant workers, making their safety an important concern as regional tensions pose potential threats to civilian populations and essential infrastructure.

According to the Kathmandu Post, the Shaybah oil field, operated by Saudi Aramco, is situated in the Rub’ al Khali desert in southeastern Saudi Arabia. As a significant energy facility, it forms part of the region’s broader oil production infrastructure.

Security threats affecting energy facilities across the Gulf have raised concerns about the safety of workers and the potential consequences for regional energy supplies.

Nepal has consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy as means of resolving international disputes, while calling for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, the Kathmandu Post has reported.

The death of the Nepali national underscores the potential human cost of regional instability, particularly for migrant workers living and working far from home.