Pakistani Crew Rescued After Drone Attack.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that a LPG tanker carrying 27 crew members—24 Pakistanis, 2 Sri Lankans, and 1 Nepali—was attacked by an Israeli drone while docked at Ras al-Esa port in Yemen on September 17. The vessel was under Houthi control at the time.
During the attack, one LPG tank exploded. Demonstrating courage and teamwork, the crew successfully extinguished the fire. Subsequently, Houthi boats intercepted the tanker, and its crew was held aboard the vessel as hostages.
Through tireless diplomatic efforts and cooperation with regional partners, the Pakistani government secured their release. Minister Naqvi confirmed the tanker and crew have now safely exited Yemeni waters. “Alhamdulillah, the tanker and its crew have now been released by the Houthis and are out of Yemeni waters,” he said.
He expressed deep gratitude to all who played a role in the rescue: interior ministry staff, ambassadors, security agencies, and foreign counterparts in Oman and Saudi Arabia.
The Foreign Office had earlier confirmed that the crew was “safe and sound” and that the tanker had caught fire off Yemen’s coast. Diplomatic missions immediately engaged with Yemeni authorities to ensure the well-being of the crew and maintain communications with their families.
This successful outcome highlights Pakistan’s ability to protect its citizens abroad and the strength of its diplomatic channels, even under high-risk circumstances.
