Islamabad: Saudi-flagged vessels in the Red Sea have come under attack from Iran-backed Houthi rebels, prompting a strong condemnation from Pakistan. The country has warned that any aggressive actions towards Pakistan-flagged vessels or its maritime interests will be perceived as a significant threat and could lead to a lawful use of force.
According to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, the Yemen-based Houthi militia recently announced its intention to blockade ships from Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, as they attempt to navigate through the Red Sea. On July 23, the militia claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi vessels in transit.
Pakistan's foreign office spokesman, Tahir Andrabi, expressed the country's unequivocal condemnation of the ongoing threats by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Andrabi emphasized that these actions endanger regional security, freedom of navigation, and global trade. Pakistan, a key mediator in the US-Iran conflict, is an ally of Saudi Arabia. The two countries signed a Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA) last September, which commits each to consider aggression against one as aggression against both.
Saudi Arabia has been rerouting its oil exports to the Red Sea following Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage that typically accounts for one-fifth of the world's oil supplies.
Andrabi reiterated Pakistan's concern over attempts to draw Saudi Arabia into the Middle East conflict and affirmed Pakistan's steadfast support for the Kingdom's security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity during a weekly briefing.
The warning from Pakistan follows closely on the heels of a two-day official visit to Islamabad by Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, who met with key figures including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Asim Munir.
When questioned about Pakistan's dual role as a mediator in the Middle East conflict and its alliance with Saudi Arabia, Andrabi dismissed the idea of a conflict of interest, stating that defending national security and assets is paramount. "This is not a thin line; this is a red line," Andrabi declared, emphasizing the importance of national security.
Regarding the deployment of Pakistani naval forces in the Red Sea, Andrabi stated that specific details are a matter of operational security.
Defense ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan date back to the 1960s, with Pakistani military trainers and advisers having worked with Saudi forces since the 1980s. Amid growing tensions in the region, Saudi Arabia announced in April the arrival of Pakistani armed forces, including jet fighters, at King Abdulaziz Air Base.
Currently, approximately 8,000 Pakistani troops are reportedly stationed in Saudi Arabia, equipped with JF-17 fighter jets, drones, and an air-defense system. Saudi Arabia has also extended financial support to Pakistan's struggling economy, including a $3 billion deposit pledge and a $5 billion deposit facility extension, along with deferred payment terms for petroleum supplies.
On July 23, Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's solidarity with the Kingdom during a call with Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman. Sharif condemned the Houthi attacks on social media, labeling them as violations of international law and threats to regional peace and security.
Saudi state media confirmed a Houthi attack on a Saudi-owned vessel, ENCELIA, in the Red Sea, resulting in a fire on the ship.
The Houthis, known as a Zaydi Shia Islamist group, have controlled parts of Yemen since seizing the capital in 2014. Analysts suggest that the recent Houthi actions, possibly driven by Iran, aim to provoke Saudi Arabia into the conflict.
Nawaf Obaid, Senior Fellow at London Kings College, warns of the broader implications of Tehran's strategy to threaten critical maritime routes, potentially escalating tensions far beyond the Middle East.
