Tension Rises in Red Sea: Houthi Forces Claim Saudi Strike on Indian Yacht
New Delhi: The security situation in the Middle East has escalated sharply following reports of an incident involving an Indian yacht near Zuqar Island in the southern Red Sea. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree alleged on Thursday that Saudi Arabian forces targeted the vessel, which was reportedly carrying 14 Indian nationals.
Saree claimed that Houthi forces had intervened to conduct a rescue operation for those on board. While the Houthi spokesperson stated that further details would be released in due course, the assertion has not been independently verified by international monitors or Saudi authorities. In a post on social media platform X, Saree condemned the alleged strike, labeling it a “reckless act” that threatens international navigation lanes and calling on the global community to intervene.
The Indian Embassy in Yemen confirmed it is actively monitoring the situation. In an official statement, the embassy noted it is currently working to ascertain the facts of the incident and has committed to providing all necessary assistance to ensure the safety and well-being of the Indian citizens involved.
Escalating Regional Violence
This maritime incident occurs against a backdrop of intensifying conflict in the region. Only a day prior, the Indian government confirmed the tragic death of an Indian national following an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
According to reports from the Indian embassy, the attack resulted in two total fatalities, one of whom was an Indian citizen. Two other Indian nationals sustained injuries during the strike. The embassy is currently coordinating with Saudi authorities to support the affected families and provide medical assistance to the injured.
India Condemns Attacks on Infrastructure
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strong condemnation on Thursday regarding the recent wave of attacks targeting civilian and energy infrastructure within Saudi Arabia. The statement specifically addressed the strike on the Dammam airport and the assault on Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oil field, which occurred on October 21.
“We strongly condemn the continued attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia,” the MEA stated. Highlighting the unacceptable nature of these strikes, the ministry reiterated that targeting critical infrastructure is a violation of international norms and must cease immediately.
India has expressed its firm solidarity with the people and government of Saudi Arabia, emphasizing support for the Kingdom’s sovereignty and regional security. The Indian government added that it remains hopeful for a swift restoration of peace and normalcy in the region.
As the situation remains fluid, both the Ministry of External Affairs and local diplomatic missions are working to gather more information regarding the status of the 14 Indians currently caught in the volatile waters near Zuqar Island. The incident underscores the growing risks to civilian travel and navigation as regional hostilities continue to flare across the Red Sea and the Arabian Peninsula.
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