Yemen's Houthi forces on Thursday claimed that Saudi Arabia had targeted a yacht carrying 14 Indian nationals near Zuqar Island in the southern Red Sea. The Houthis said their forces were trying to rescue the people on board.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said more details would be shared later. However, the claim has not been independently verified.
"The Saudi enemy is targeting an Indian yacht near Zuqar Island, carrying 14 people of Indian nationality, according to preliminary information. The Yemeni Armed Forces are rescuing them and will provide more details later. This reckless act by the Saudi enemy in targeting it threatens international navigation in the Red Sea, and the international community must stop the Saudi enemy from these reckless actions," Saree posted on X.
The Indian embassy in Yemen said it was looking into the reports and would help ensure the safety of the 14 nationals.
"We have seen reports regarding an incident involving 14 Indian nationals on board a yacht off the coast of Yemen today. We are ascertaining further details about the incident and will provide all possible help for ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian nationals," it said in a post on X.
We have seen reports regarding an incident involving 14 Indian nationals on board a yacht off the coast of Yemen today. We are ascertaining further details about the incident and will provide all possible help for ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian nationals.@MEAIndia
— India in Yemen (@IndiaInYemen) October 22, 2026
Indian Killed In Dammam Airport Attack
The reported incident comes a day after an Indian national was killed in an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Another person was also killed, while two Indian nationals were injured.
The Indian embassy shared the information on Thursday.
"Saudi authorities have informed that one Indian national was among two people who unfortunately lost their lives in the attack on Dammam airport yesterday night and two Indian nationals were injured. We are ascertaining further details and contacting the affected families. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of the deceased and we wish speedy recovery of the injured," it said in a post on X.
India Condemns Attacks On Saudi Arabia
India on Thursday condemned attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including the strike on King Fahd International Airport and Saudi Aramco's Shaybah oil field on October 21.
"We strongly condemn the continued attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including the attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and Saudi Aramco's Shaybah oil field in the Eastern Province on October 21. These attacks have unfortunately resulted in civilian deaths and injuries," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
India also expressed support for Saudi Arabia and called for an immediate end to attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure.
"We also reiterate that the attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure are completely unacceptable and must cease immediately. We stand in solidarity with the people and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its sovereignty, and hope that peace and normalcy would return to the region at the earliest," the MEA said.
The Houthis have also accused Saudi forces of carrying out air and missile strikes across several provinces in Yemen this week.