YEMEN – A ship near Yemen’s Ras Al-‘Issa port came under a drone strike, sparking a fire and putting 24 Pakistani crew members at risk.
Diplomatic sources confirmed that the vessel, which was carrying oil from Tehran to Yemen, was hit during the incident. The fire on board remains intense, and efforts to control it have so far failed.
The crew was briefly evacuated but later forced to return without firefighting equipment. This has left them vulnerable as the fire continues to spread. The stranded crew members have appealed to Yemeni authorities, local rescue agencies, and the Government of Pakistan for urgent help.
The Houthi attack comes amid growing regional tensions. The Ansar Allah movement, also known as the Houthis, has frequently been targeted by Israeli missile strikes. In response, the group has launched missile attacks on Tel Aviv, citing retaliation for Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Earlier this year, the United States also joined Israeli airstrikes on Yemen’s ports, oil refineries, and critical installations. However, former U.S. President Donald Trump later ordered a halt to operations against the Houthis.
Observers warn that the latest Houthi attack highlights the increasing risks faced by commercial ships passing through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The strategic waterways have become a flashpoint in the broader Middle East conflict, affecting trade, security, and humanitarian conditions.
The fate of the 24 Pakistani crew members remains uncertain as they continue to face life-threatening conditions. Rescue operations are urgently needed to prevent further tragedy.
For Pakistan, the incident has raised concerns about the safety of its nationals working abroad, especially in conflict zones. The government is expected to issue a response soon as families of the crew await updates.
The Houthi attack on the ship once again underscores the dangerous spillover effects of the Yemen conflict on regional stability and international shipping routes.
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