Yemen’s Houthis claim their forces rescued 14 Indian nationals aboard a yacht allegedly targeted by Saudi Arabia near Zuqar Island in the Red Sea. The claim comes amid regional tensions and separate attacks in Saudi Arabia that killed an Indian national.
Yemen’s Houthi movement has claimed that its forces launched a rescue operation to save 14 Indian nationals aboard a yacht allegedly targeted by Saudi Arabia near Zuqar Island in the southern Red Sea. The claim has raised fresh concerns over maritime security and escalating tensions in the region.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree announced the development on Thursday, stating that the information available was preliminary and that further details would be provided later. The allegation has not been independently verified, and details about the condition of the 14 Indian nationals and the circumstances surrounding the reported incident remain unclear.
In a post on social media platform X, Saree alleged that Saudi forces had targeted an Indian yacht carrying 14 Indian nationals near Zuqar Island. He said Yemen’s armed forces were engaged in efforts to rescue those aboard the vessel.
The Houthi spokesperson also warned that the alleged incident threatened international navigation in the Red Sea. He called on the international community to intervene and prevent what he described as reckless actions by Saudi Arabia.
However, independent confirmation of the reported attack, the identity of the vessel and the status of the Indian nationals was not immediately available in the information provided.
The claim comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows a separate attack at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, in which an Indian national was among two people reportedly killed. Two other Indian nationals were injured in that incident, according to the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia.
The embassy confirmed the casualties in a statement issued on Thursday, saying Saudi authorities had informed Indian officials about the deaths and injuries resulting from the attack the previous night.
The Indian Embassy said it was working to establish further details and contacting the families of those affected. It also expressed condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The reported casualties have prompted concern over the safety of Indian nationals in the region, as continuing hostilities threaten civilians and critical infrastructure.
India has strongly condemned attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including the reported strike on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and an attack on Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oil field in the Eastern Province on October 21.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed concern over the loss of civilian lives and injuries resulting from the attacks. New Delhi reiterated that civilian facilities and critical infrastructure must not be targeted.
The MEA said such attacks were unacceptable and called for them to stop immediately. India also expressed solidarity with the people and government of Saudi Arabia in safeguarding the kingdom’s sovereignty.
The statement added that India hoped peace and normalcy would return to the region at the earliest, underscoring New Delhi’s concern over the broader security situation and its potential consequences for civilians.
The reported yacht incident near Zuqar Island also highlights the strategic importance of the Red Sea, a major international maritime corridor connecting shipping routes between Europe and Asia through the Suez Canal and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Any escalation affecting vessels operating in the area could raise concerns over commercial shipping, maritime safety and regional stability.
The Houthis have separately accused Saudi forces of carrying out air and missile strikes across several Yemeni provinces during the week. These allegations come against the backdrop of longstanding tensions involving Yemen and neighbouring countries, as well as wider regional hostilities.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged targeting of the Indian yacht remain uncertain. Further information from Saudi authorities, Indian diplomatic representatives or independent sources would be needed to establish what happened near Zuqar Island and confirm the safety of all 14 Indian nationals.
| Also Read: Indian Embassy Helps Umrah Pilgrims After Deadly Dammam Airport Attack |
For India, the reported incidents underscore the importance of protecting its citizens overseas and maintaining the safety of civilian transport and infrastructure. Indian authorities are expected to continue monitoring developments and coordinating with the relevant authorities as more information becomes available.
The situation remains fluid, with the Houthi movement saying additional details about the reported rescue operation would be released later. Until independent confirmation emerges, the allegation concerning the yacht should be treated as a claim by the Houthi side rather than an established account of the incident.
