Islamabad: Saudi ally Pakistan has issued a stern warning following attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Saudi-flagged vessels in the Red Sea. The Pakistani government condemned the assaults and declared that any aggressive actions toward Pakistan-flagged vessels or the country's maritime interests would be considered a serious threat warranting a lawful response.
According to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, the Yemen-based Houthi militia announced last week its intention to blockade ships from Saudi Arabia- the world's largest oil exporter- if they attempted to pass through the Red Sea. On July 23, the group claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi vessels in transit.
Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesman, Tahir Andrabi, expressed unequivocal condemnation of the Houthi threats against Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, emphasizing the endangerment of regional security, freedom of navigation, and global trade. Pakistan, a key mediator in the US-Iran conflict, is also an ally of Saudi Arabia. The Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA) signed between the two countries last September underscores that any aggression against one shall be regarded as aggression against both.
In response to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Saudi Arabia has been redirecting its oil exports from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea.
Andrabi reiterated Pakistan's commitment to Saudi Arabia's security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity during his weekly briefing, expressing concern over attempts to entangle the Kingdom in the Middle East conflict. The warning from Pakistan came shortly after Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni's official visit to Islamabad, where he engaged in discussions with high-ranking officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir.
Addressing Pakistan's dual role as a mediator and ally of Saudi Arabia, Andrabi stated that national security priorities define clear boundaries. He emphasized that the country's defense interests constitute a red line.
Regarding the presence or deployment of Pakistani naval forces in the Red Sea, Andrabi mentioned that such matters fall under operational specifics.
Pakistani-Saudi defense cooperation dates back to the 1960s, with Pakistani military trainers and advisers having supported Saudi armed forces since the 1980s. Amid growing regional tensions, Saudi Arabia announced in April the arrival of Pakistani armed forces, including jet fighters and support aircraft, at King Abdulaziz Air Base. Recent reports indicate the deployment of 8,000 Pakistani troops in Saudi Arabia, along with JF-17 fighter jets, drones, and an air-defense system.
Saudi Arabia has consistently extended financial support to Pakistan's economy, pledging an additional $3 billion in deposits in April and extending a separate $5 billion deposit facility for three years. It has also continued supplying petroleum to Pakistan on deferred payment terms to alleviate foreign exchange pressures.
On July 23, Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's solidarity with Saudi Arabia in a call to Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman. Sharif denounced the Houthi attacks on Saudi ships as violations of international law and threats to regional peace and security.
Saudi state media later confirmed that a Saudi-owned vessel, ENCELIA, was struck by the rebels on July 23, resulting in a fire at the vessel's bow.
The Houthis, a Zaydi Shia Islamist armed group, emerged in northern Yemen in the 1990s and currently control much of Yemen's northwest, including the Hodeibah Red Sea Port. Analysts suggest the Houthi escalation aims to embroil Saudi Arabia in the conflict, a move seen as Tehran's strategy to increase regional instability.
Nawaf Obaid, a Senior Fellow at London's Kings College, warned that Iran's strategy of threatening shipping at the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb Strait could have wide-reaching consequences beyond the region.