14 Indians on Yacht off Yemen Coast: India Probes Incident
India is seeking details after Houthi forces claimed to rescue 14 Indian nationals from a yacht allegedly attacked by Saudi Arabia off Yemen.
The Indian government is currently working to ascertain the facts surrounding a distressing incident involving 14 Indian nationals aboard a yacht off the coast of Yemen. The development comes amid high tensions in the Red Sea region, with India assuring that every possible effort will be made to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.
The Houthi Claim: A Saudi Attack?
The situation came to light following claims made by Yemen's Houthi forces. According to Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree, the Saudi Arabian military targeted an Indian yacht near Zuqar Island in the southern Red Sea. Saree alleged that the vessel was carrying 14 Indian nationals and that the "reckless act" by Saudi Arabia poses a significant threat to international navigation in the region.
Saree further stated that the Yemeni Armed Forces launched a rescue operation to save those on board. While preliminary information has been shared, the Houthi spokesperson indicated that more details would be released as they become available.
"The Saudi enemy is targeting an Indian yacht near Zuqar Island, carrying 14 people of Indian nationality... The Yemeni Armed Forces are rescuing them," Saree posted on X.
India's Official Response
Responding to the reports, the Embassy of India in Yemen confirmed it is monitoring the situation closely. In a post on X, the embassy stated that they are in the process of verifying the details of the incident to understand exactly what transpired on the waters off the Yemen coast.
The Indian government has emphasized its commitment to the safety of its nationals, pledging all necessary assistance to provide help and ensure their security during this volatile period.
A Pattern of Regional Violence
This incident occurs against a backdrop of escalating violence in the Gulf region. Just a day prior, a devastating attack struck the King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed that the airport strike resulted in the death of two people, including one Indian national, while two other Indians were injured.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a strong condemnation of these ongoing strikes. New Delhi specifically pointed to the attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure, including the strikes at Dammam airport and the Saudi Aramco Shaybah oil field in the Eastern Province on October 21.
Calls for Peace
India has expressed its deep concern over the loss of civilian lives and the instability affecting the region. The MEA stated its hope for an early restoration of peace and normalcy to prevent further casualties and protect international interests.
Meanwhile, the Houthis continue to accuse Saudi forces of conducting air and missile strikes across various Yemeni provinces throughout the week, further complicating the security landscape in the Red Sea and surrounding territories.