14 Indian Sailors Safe After Yacht Attack Near Yemen
All 14 Indian sailors are safe near Hodeidah after their yacht was targeted off the Yemen coast near the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
All 14 Indian sailors are safe following a targeted attack on their yacht off the coast of Yemen. The incident, which took place on October 22, occurred near Jabal Zuqar Island in the southern Red Sea, close to the critical Bab el-Mandeb strait.
Houthi Allegations and Rescue Operations
The Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for the rescue operation. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree alleged that Saudi Arabian forces were responsible for targeting the vessel, describing the strike as a "reckless act" by the "Saudi enemy" that endangers international maritime navigation.
While the Houthi leadership has leveled these accusations, Saudi authorities have not yet issued a response to the allegations.
Embassy Confirms Location of Sailors
The Indian Embassy in Yemen provided a reassuring update on Friday, confirming that all 14 Indian nationals involved in the incident are unharmed. The sailors are currently located near the port of Hodeidah, a western Yemeni city under Houthi control.
The embassy stated that it is actively working to monitor the situation and ensure the continued well-being of the sailors during this period of uncertainty.
Rising Regional Tensions and Risks to Expats
This latest incident follows a wave of violence in the region that has directly impacted Indian citizens. The security situation has escalated rapidly in recent days:
- Dammam, Saudi Arabia: On October 21, an attack at King Fahd International Airport resulted in the death of one Indian national and left two others injured.
- Shaybah Oilfield: An Indian national was also reported injured during an incident at the Saudi Aramco Shaybah oilfield.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly condemned these attacks, specifically noting the targeting of civilian populations and vital energy infrastructure.
The growing instability has had a significant impact on the Indian diaspora. Since late February, more than 300,000 Indians have opted to return from the region due to the intensifying conflicts. Currently, Indian diplomatic missions across the Gulf and West Asia remain on high alert to protect the approximately 10 million Indian nationals residing in GCC countries.