India Investigates Allegations of Saudi Strike on Yacht with Nationals

The Indian Embassy in Yemen announced it is actively seeking details regarding an incident involving 14 Indian nationals aboard a yacht off the Yemeni coast. This statement comes in response to allegations made by Yahya Saree, the military spokesperson for the Iran-backed Houthi movement, who claimed that Saudi forces targeted the vessel near Zuqar Island in the Red Sea. Saree indicated that Houthi forces intervened to assist those on board and described the alleged attack as a threat to international maritime safety.

In an official statement shared on social media platform X, the Indian Embassy emphasised its commitment to providing all possible assistance to ensure the safety of the nationals involved. "We have seen reports regarding an incident involving 14 Indian nationals on board a yacht off the coast of Yemen today. We are ascertaining further details about the incident and will provide all possible help for ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian nationals," the embassy stated.

Saudi authorities have yet to comment on the allegations made by the Houthis regarding the yacht. The reported incident takes place against the backdrop of escalating hostilities between the Saudi-led coalition and Houthi rebels, raising significant safety concerns for the approximately 2.7 million Indian expatriates residing in the region.

On the evening prior to this incident, an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, resulted in two fatalities, which included an Indian national, and left eight others injured, among them two Indian citizens. Earlier on the same day, a drone strike aimed at the Shaybah oilfield, operated by Saudi Aramco in the Eastern Province, caused falling debris that injured another Indian expatriate and led to the deaths of two foreign workers.

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the attacks against civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, highlighting that such incidents have led to civilian casualties. In a public statement, the ministry declared, "We strongly condemn the continued attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia... These attacks have unfortunately resulted in civilian deaths and injuries. Targeting civilian installations is completely unacceptable, and we urge an immediate return to peace and stability in the region."

The increasing tensions in the Red Sea region and the broader Gulf area have coincided with a rise in targeted attacks on both sides, exemplifying the fragile state of security in this area. As investigations into the incident involving the yacht continue, Indian authorities are closely monitoring the evolving situation.