Pakistan has warned it may use military force after Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militia announced a blockade of Saudi shipping. The Foreign Ministry said attacks on Pakistani-flagged vessels would be treated as a grave threat to national security. Islamabad condemned threats to commercial shipping as violations of international law. Analysts say any Pakistani intervention could put Islamabad in direct opposition to Tehran and escalate regional tensions.
Pakistan Warns It May Use Military Force Over Houthi Threats To Saudi Shipping
An Armed Houthi carries a gun during a pro Palestine protest in Sana'a. (is associated with: «Pakistan warns of military action over Houthi threats to Saudi Arabia») Osamah Yahya/dpa
Pakistan has warned it may take military action after Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militia announced a blockade of Saudi shipping, escalating tensions across the region.
What Islamabad Said
The Foreign Ministry in Islamabad issued a strong statement on Wednesday, saying:
"Any hostile act against Pakistani-flagged vessels or Pakistani maritime interests will be regarded as a grave threat to Pakistan's national security and sovereign interests."
Pakistan, a nuclear-armed state with a long-standing security partnership with Saudi Arabia, condemned the Houthi threats and warned that attacks on commercial shipping violate established principles of international law.
Background
The Houthi movement announced what it described as a blockade of Saudi shipping on Monday, days after a fresh confrontation between the group and Riyadh. The conflict in Yemen has persisted for more than a decade and has drawn in regional powers, with the Houthis widely regarded as backed by Iran.
Implications
Under terms of the Islamabad–Riyadh relationship, an attack on Saudi Arabia could be treated as an attack on Pakistani interests, potentially obliging Pakistan to respond. Analysts warn that any direct Pakistani military intervention in Yemen would increase tensions with Tehran and further complicate an already volatile regional proxy conflict.
Islamabad specifically highlighted concern about threats directed at vessels engaged in legitimate commercial trade with Saudi Arabia and reiterated its call for respect for international maritime law and security.
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