Three Pakistani nationals were killed and another was injured in a Houthi attack in Red Sea, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed Wednesday. The attack targeted a commercial vessel near Bab al-Mandab.
Dar, who also serves as foreign minister, strongly condemned the attack on the Tanzania-flagged vessel Tihamah. An Indonesian national was also reportedly killed in the incident.
In a statement, Dar expressed condolences to the families of the Pakistani victims. He said Pakistan condemns attacks on non-combatant commercial vessels and their crews.
He said the Houthi attack in Red Sea endangered civilian lives and violated international law. Dar also warned that such attacks threaten freedom of navigation, maritime security and commercial shipping.
Pakistan is coordinating with Saudi authorities and Yemen’s internationally recognised government, Dar said. The government is seeking further information about the attack and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Dar directed the Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh to coordinate with relevant authorities. He instructed officials to pursue arrangements for retrieving and repatriating the remains of the deceased Pakistanis.
The foreign minister also ordered the embassy to provide all possible assistance to the injured Pakistani national. Pakistan will continue monitoring the situation and remain in contact with concerned authorities following the Houthi attack in Red Sea.
