Tezzbuzz Desk– 19 Indian sailors stranded in Yemen's Hodeidah and capital Sana'a for the last two weeks have been rescued safely. The Indian Embassy in Yemen confirmed this on Sunday. According to the Embassy, all 19 sailors are completely healthy and the process of their return to India has started.
Indian Embassy gave information
The Indian Embassy said on social media platform X that all 19 Indian sailors are safe and are now returning to their country. The Embassy has expressed its gratitude to all concerned parties and local administration who helped in the safe evacuation of Indian citizens in this difficult situation.
The status of 14 Indians is not clear yet
This rescue operation took place a few days after an incident involving a boat that surfaced off the coast of Yemen. The Indian Mission had said on October 23 that all 14 Indian nationals aboard a boat off the Hodeidah coast were safe and the embassy was in touch with the relevant authorities.
Earlier, Houthi rebels' spokesperson Yahya Sari was quoted in Arab media as claiming that Saudi forces had targeted an Indian boat near Yukar Island in the Red Sea and Houthi forces rescued 14 Indians aboard. However, it is not yet clear whether the 14 Indians are included among the 19 sailors rescued safely on Sunday.
Concern increased amid Saudi-Huthi tension
The incident of Indian citizens being trapped in Yemen has come at a time when tension is increasing between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels. Attacks and retaliation between the two sides have intensified. This has also increased international concern about the maritime security of the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.