Sana. Yemen's Houthi rebels on Thursday said they were trying to rescue 14 Indians aboard a boat that was attacked in the Red Sea. According to Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sari, the boat was attacked near Jabal Jukar Island. The island is located near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which is an important route for global maritime trade.
Yahya Sari has blamed Saudi Arabia for this attack. However, the news did not provide detailed information about the current condition of the Indians aboard the boat and the outcome of the rescue operation. The special thing here is that the Houthis have on the contrary accused Saudi Arabia of attacking the boat.
Tension increases between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels
This development has come to light amid new attacks by Houthi rebels on Saudi Arabia. Even before this, two people had died in an attack in Saudi Arabia, which included an Indian citizen. Eight people were also injured in that attack, including two Indian citizens.
India is helping Indians in Saudi Arabia
Amidst the continuous attacks in Saudi Arabia, India has condemned the attacks targeting civilian and energy infrastructure. The Foreign Ministry on Thursday expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and demanded an immediate stop to the attacks.
The Foreign Ministry specifically mentioned the October 21 attacks on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and Saudi Aramco's Shaiba oil field in the Eastern Province. The ministry described these attacks as completely unacceptable.
Expressing condolences to the family of the Indian citizen killed in Dammam, the ministry wished the injured a speedy recovery. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh is in touch with Saudi authorities and is providing assistance to the affected Indian citizens.
Preparations for return of Umrah pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia
Efforts are also being made to return Indian pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia due to increasing tension in the region and suspension of flights by Indian airlines. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said about 3,000 Indian pilgrims returned home last week through available flights. More than 10,000 other pilgrims also returned to India during the same period.
According to Jaiswal, arrangements are being discussed to ensure the early return of the remaining Umrah pilgrims. Indian Missions in Riyadh and Jeddah are providing assistance to the pilgrims with the help of community volunteers.