Pakistan condemns Houthi Red Sea attack after three nationals killed

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Mohammed Ishaq Dar firmly denounced a recent Houthi attack on a Red Sea vessel, which resulted in the deaths of three Pakistani nationals. Dar emphasized that such attacks contravene international law and jeopardize the freedom of navigation, maritime security, and shipping in the Red Sea. The minister disclosed that his country is coordinating with Saudi authorities and the recognized government of Yemen to gather accurate information regarding the incident.

He further stated that the Pakistani embassy in Riyadh is tasked with facilitating the recovery and repatriation of the deceased Pakistanis, as well as extending assistance to the injured Pakistani citizen.

The Houthi militia admitted responsibility for the attack on the Yemeni commercial vessel Tuhama in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, alleging that the ship was carrying military equipment. According to Al Arabiya, corroborating sources from the Yemeni Coast Guard, the assault claimed six lives, comprising three Pakistanis, one Indonesian sailor, and two members of the Yemeni Second Naval Brigade.

Ten individuals sustained injuries, including seven crew members and three rescue personnel. The Yemeni Ministry of Transport had earlier confirmed that the vessel was carrying supplies of foodstuffs. They warned that the attack jeopardizes the delivery of food and essential goods to millions of Yemenis, as well as the safety of maritime traffic in the Bab al-Mandab.