Pakistan condemns Houthi attack on Red Sea vessel that killed 3 nationals

ISLAMABAD: Three Pakistani nationals were killed, and one was injured in a Houthi attack on a commercial vessel in the Red Sea, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Wednesday. 

In a post on X, Dar "strongly condemned the Houthi attack on a non-combatant commercial vessel." He characterized the attack as a violation of international law that "poses a serious threat to freedom of navigation, maritime security, and the safety of commercial shipping in the Red Sea."

He said such attacks "endanger innocent lives" and threaten global maritime security.

The foreign minister stated that Pakistan was in contact with Saudi authorities and the "internationally recognized government of Yemen" to "obtain further details about the incident" and the circumstances surrounding it.

Dar said he has directed Pakistan's embassy in Riyadh to immediately coordinate with the concerned authorities to retrieve and repatriate the remains of the deceased Pakistani nationals and to provide all possible assistance to the injured national.

He extended condolences to the bereaved families.

"We are closely following the situation and will continue to remain in close contact with the concerned authorities," Dar said.