Pakistan has issued a stern warning to Yemen’s Houthi movement, declaring that it is prepared to take military action if any Pakistan-flagged commercial vessels are targeted while transiting the Bab al-Mandab Strait in the Red Sea.
In a strongly worded statement, Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said that any Houthi attack on Pakistani-flagged ships would be treated as a direct threat to Pakistan’s national security and sovereignty.
Andrabi stressed that Islamabad reserves the full right to take “all necessary measures,” including military action, to defend its merchant fleet, protect freedom of navigation, and safeguard Pakistan’s national interests.
The warning comes amid heightened tensions in the Red Sea, where repeated attacks on commercial shipping have disrupted one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes. Pakistan’s statement signals a tougher stance toward any threat against its maritime assets and underscores growing international concern over the security of shipping through the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Although Pakistan has not announced any immediate military deployments, officials indicated that the country’s armed forces are prepared to respond if Pakistani vessels come under attack.
The Houthi movement has not yet publicly responded to Pakistan’s warning. The latest exchange adds another layer of tension to the Red Sea crisis, as more countries signal they are willing to use force to protect their commercial shipping and strategic maritime interests.