Pakistan strongly condemns hijacking of UAE-flagged cargo vessel

Pakistan strongly condemns hijacking of UAE-flagged cargo vessel
A ship seized by Houthis off Yemen's Red Sea coast is seen in a frame grab from a video. (Reuters)

ISLAMABAD, Jan 12 (APP): Pakistan on Wednesday strongly condemned the hijacking of the UAE-flagged cargo vessel “Rawabi” by the Houthis near the port city of Hodeidah, Yemen.

“Such blatant acts not only threaten the freedom of maritime navigation but also endanger international trade and security of the region,” the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement.

Expressing Pakistan’s solidarity with the UAE, the spokesperson called for the immediate release of the vessel and its crew.

According to the UAE media, the ship had 11 crew onboard from five countries including seven Indian sailors and one each from Ethiopia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Myanmar.

The ship was on its way from Socotra Island in Yemen to the port of Jazan in Saudi Arabia, carrying equipment leased by a Saudi company used in a field hospital on the island.

By Ishtiaq Rao

Ishtiaq Ahmed is a Sr. Reporter who reports on Prime Minister, President, Foreign Office, and special assignments. Backed by 20-year experience, he has written for local and foreign newspapers. Reach out at 03335293238/ [email protected]/ X: ishtiaqrao

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