Yemen denounces Houthi attack on Indian cargo vessel in Red Sea
Aden, August 5
Yemen on Wednesday strongly condemned the "Houthi terrorist attack" on the Indian commercial cargo vessel in the Red Sea, resulting in its sinking and expressed Aden's solidarity with New Delhi.
In an official communication released via X, Yemen's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates termed the attack a "direct threat to the security and safety of navigation and the freedom of trade along international waterways."
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Republic of Yemen strongly condemns the Houthi terrorist attack targeting the Indian commercial cargo vessel 'MSV Faize Noore Oliya' using an explosive-laden boat while it was sailing in the Red Sea, resulting in the vessel's complete sinking. This constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and the rules of international maritime law, and poses a direct threat to the security and safety of navigation and the freedom of trade along international waterways," Yemen's Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on X.
The official statement from the Yemeni foreign ministry came after the India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) denounced the strike, confirming that 13 nationals had been safely rescued. The ministry commended the swift intervention carried out by the Yemeni Coast Guard in coordination with the Yemeni Navy, which successfully rescued all 14 crew members, including 13 nationals, and safely escorted them to the Port of Mocha.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses that this attack is part of a continuing pattern of crimes and assaults perpetrated by the Houthi terrorist militia, ranging from targeting cities, bombing airports and oil facilities, disrupting exports, and depriving the Yemeni people of vital sources of income, thereby exacerbating the humanitarian catastrophe resulting from the Houthi coup, to threatening ports and maritime navigation in the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden, as well as jeopardising economic and commercial interests in a manner that undermines regional security and stability," Yemen's Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on X.
Reiterating the necessity of collective defence, the ministry emphasised that the formation of the Saudi-led multinational defensive maritime coalition serves as a crucial initiative of growing significance against escalating maritime hazards.
It added that the alliance remains imperative to safeguard international trade corridors, protect global energy channels, and ensure free navigation across the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden in accordance with international law.
On Tuesday, the MEA condemned the strike on the commercial vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya, which sank off the Yemeni coast. "We condemn the attack on the Indian flagged commercial vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, that sank in the Red Sea, off the coast of Yemen on August 4. All 13 Indian nationals have been rescued. Our Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Yemeni authorities for the safety and security of the crew. We thank the Yemeni authorities for their support," the MEA said.
"The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply worrisome. The targeting of commercial shipping in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest," it added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is getting serious now. Houthis attacking commercial vessels is not just a regional issue, it affects global trade. India should take a stronger stand to protect our shipping lanes. The government's response so far has been appropriate but we need to be more proactive.
The Houthis have been causing chaos in the Red Sea for too long. It's high time the international community, including India, takes concrete steps to ensure the security of our seafarers. This is not just about Yemen, it's about the freedom of navigation that the whole world depends on.
Very concerning to see Indian vessels being targeted. Our government needs to work closely with regional partners to prevent such incidents in the future. Also, why is the international community not doing enough to stop these Houthi attacks? It's affecting innocent civilians and commercial interests.
While it's good that Yemen's legitimate government condemned this, their actual authority on the ground is limited. The Houthis control most of the coast. India needs to consider deploying its own naval assets to escort our commercial vessels through these dangerous waters. Better safe than sorry.
Thank God all crew members are safe. This is a stark reminder of the risks our seafarers take every day to keep our economy moving. The MEA has handled this well, but longer-term solutions are needed to protect international shipping lanes from such terrorist attacks.
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