Dar condemns Houthi attack killing 3 Pakistanis
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has condemned a Houthi attack on a commercial vessel in the Red Sea, saying three Pakistani nationals were killed and another was injured in the incident.
Dar described the attack as a serious threat to innocent lives and maritime security. He expressed concern over the loss of Pakistani lives in the incident.
The foreign minister said the Pakistani government was in contact with relevant Saudi authorities and the Yemeni government to obtain further details about the attack.
He also directed Pakistan’s embassy in Riyadh to provide all possible assistance for the repatriation of the bodies of the deceased Pakistanis.
The embassy has also been instructed to facilitate the injured Pakistani citizen and ensure that all necessary assistance is provided.
The attack reportedly took place near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a strategically important maritime passage connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
According to Yemeni government and coast guard sources, Houthi forces attacked a cargo vessel in the area.
The attack targeted the deck of the commercial ship. Three crew members were reportedly killed in the assault.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The waterway is a major international trade route used by cargo vessels travelling between Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Pakistan is continuing to coordinate with authorities in Saudi Arabia and Yemen to establish further details about the incident and assist the affected Pakistani nationals and their families.