Yemen says Saudi strike hit Indian boat near Zuqar Island, 14 rescued

Yemen's armed forces spokesman Yahya Saree said the Saudi army targeted an Indian pleasure boat near Zuqar Island off western Yemen, according to initial reports. Saree said 14 Indian nationals were aboard the vessel.

In a post on social media, Saree stated that Yemeni armed forces rescued those on board the boat. He did not provide further details on the condition of the passengers or the extent of the damage to the vessel.

Saree warned that the Saudi action threatens international navigation in the Red Sea and said the international community must deter the Saudis from what he described as irresponsible actions. The statement did not specify when the incident occurred or offer additional evidence regarding the strike.

Zuqar Island lies in the Red Sea near Yemen's western coast, an area where shipping traffic has faced repeated security concerns in recent years. The report did not include any immediate comment from Saudi authorities or from Indian officials on the incident.

According to Mehr News, the account of the strike and the rescue was provided by the Yemeni armed forces spokesman.