Naqvi stated on the American social media platform X that due to the drone attack, an LPG tank on the tanker exploded, causing a fire. The crew immediately took action and brought the fire under control.
However, after this, Houthi rebel boats surrounded the tanker and took the crew hostage on the ship. Naqvi said that after long efforts, the tanker and its crew have been released by the Houthis, and they have now safely exited the Yemeni territory.
Naqvi appreciated Home Ministry Secretary Khurram Agha, Pakistani Ambassador to Oman Naveed Bokhari and his team, colleagues in Saudi Arabia, and especially the officials of security agencies for the safe release of the crew.
He said,
I sincerely thank all of them who worked tirelessly day and night during difficult times. When we were surrounded by despair, they ensured the safe release of our citizens
Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stated on Sunday morning that the 24 Pakistani nationals on board the tanker are completely safe and are moving forward.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that as soon as information about the tanker catching fire off the coast of Yemen on September 17 was received, Pakistani embassies contacted Yemeni authorities.
Immediate steps were taken to ensure the safety of the crew and to re-dispatch the tanker. The embassies also maintained constant contact with the crew's families and provided them with updates.
Israel attacked Yemen's capital Sanaa on September 10. According to Al Masirah TV, the Houthi Ministry of Defence was targeted in this attack.
Israeli media claimed that Israel is attacking Yemen. According to Reuters, this attack took place at a secret location between two mountains, which is used as a command and control headquarters.
According to media reports, Houthi Defence Minister Mohammed al-Atifi and Chief of Staff Mohammed Abd al-Karim al-Ghamari were also targeted in these attacks.
The Israeli Army (IDF) carried out attacks in Sanaa on August 28. Prior to this, Houthi fighters had attacked Israel with missiles and drones. The IDF stated that Houthi military bases and the presidential palace were targeted in the airstrike.
Meanwhile, according to Yemeni officials, at least 10 people were killed and 90 injured in these attacks.
Houthi rebels
Houthi rebels have carried out more than 250 attacks on Israel from October 2023 to May 2025. These attacks were carried out with ballistic missiles and drones. Most of the attacks have been intercepted by Israel. It is claimed that these weapons were provided to the Houthi rebels by Iran.
Houthi rebels carried out more than 100 attacks on Israeli and Israel-linked ships in the sea. This has affected global trade. Israel has refrained from taking strict action against the group compared to Hamas and Hezbollah. However, this time it targeted their top leadership.
Hamas-Israel war
This incident occurred amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, in which since October 2023, over 65,500 people have been killed.
Israel has repeatedly attacked Houthi targets. On the other hand, Iran-backed Houthi rebels, claiming Palestinian support, also launch missile and drone attacks on Israel and ships in the Red Sea.
Houthi fighters' Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi was killed in an Israeli airstrike in the capital Sanaa.
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