Houthis claim attack on vessel carrying Indian crew in Red Sea

The Houthi movement claimed on Tuesday that it had mounted a rescue operation after what it described as a Saudi Arabian attack on a merchant vessel in the Red Sea near Yucca Island. According to the militant group's statement, the vessel was carrying 14 Indian nationals at the time of the incident.

The Iran-aligned Houthis said their forces responded to the alleged Saudi assault by reaching the vessel and evacuating those aboard. The group did not provide further details about the circumstances of the claimed attack or the current status of the Indian crew members.

The claim adds to mounting tensions in the Red Sea, a critical international shipping corridor that has faced repeated security incidents involving various armed groups and maritime actors. Indian nationals working on merchant vessels frequently transit these waters as part of global maritime commerce.

Saudi Arabia has not immediately commented on the Houthi assertion. The Red Sea has become an increasingly contested zone in recent months, with multiple parties engaging in military activities that have raised concerns among international shipping communities and maritime authorities.