Red Sea Crisis: Pakistan Denounces Deadly Houthi Attack After 3 Citizens Killed

Islamabad has officially issued a stern condemnation following a targeted strike by Yemen-based Houthi militants on a merchant vessel in the Red Sea. The incident resulted in the tragic deaths of three Pakistani crew members and an Indonesian national, alongside injuring another Pakistani citizen.

Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the casualties, stating that Pakistan is actively coordinating with regional authorities to gather full details and bring the remains of the deceased back home.

Details of the Red Sea Attack

The strike targeted the Tihamah, a commercial ship flying the flag of Tanzania. According to reports from Yemen's coastguard:

• Initial Strike: A missile hit the ship, causing an immediate fire and widespread structural damage that killed four crew members.

• Secondary Strike: A follow-up attack targeted the vessel while emergency response teams were carrying out rescue and evacuation efforts.

• Casualties: Three Pakistanis and one Indonesian lost their lives, while another Pakistani sustained injuries.

Simultaneously, maritime security agencies reported strikes on two other vessels in the region, including the Panama-flagged container ship Vela Nova, which was hit off the coast of Pakistan while heading into the Gulf of Oman.

Diplomatic Action and Repatriation Efforts

Expressing heartfelt condolences to the victims' families, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized that striking unarmed, civilian merchant ships violates basic international maritime laws and threatens global shipping corridors.

"Such attacks endanger innocent lives, constitute a violation of international law, and pose a serious threat to freedom of navigation, maritime security, and the safety of commercial shipping in the Red Sea," Dar stated.

The Foreign Office spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, confirmed during a weekly briefing that Pakistan’s Embassy in Riyadh is working closely with Saudi officials and the recognized government of Yemen to ensure the immediate repatriation of the deceased and to provide medical care for the injured sailor.

Rising Regional Tensions and Maritime Security Coalition

The assault comes amidst escalating tensions near crucial global oil routes, following a naval blockade declared by Houthis against commercial shipping heading to Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan has previously warned that any direct threats to its maritime trade interests represent a strict "red line."

In response to the growing vulnerability of vital trade lanes, Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment as a key signatory to the Saudi-led Multinational Maritime Defence Coalition. Formed alongside 13 other nations, the alliance aims to safeguard freedom of navigation and secure international waterways across the Red Sea corridor.

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