Houthis Release Hijacked Tanker Crew After Pakistan’s Diplomatic Efforts, Says Interior Minister

Islamabad: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that Yemeni Houthis have released an LPG tanker and its crew, including 24 Pakistanis, after diplomatic efforts by Pakistan.

According to Naqvi, the tanker was attacked near Ras Issa on the Yemeni coast by an Israeli drone, causing a fire onboard. At the time of the attack, 27 people, including 24 Pakistanis, were on the vessel. Although a fuel tank exploded, the crew managed to bring the fire under control.

Following the incident, Houthi forces seized the ship and held the crew hostage. Naqvi confirmed that due to the timely intervention of Pakistani security agencies and diplomatic channels, all crew members, including Captain Mukhtar Akbar, were released safely. The vessel has now exited Yemeni waters.

The minister praised the efforts of Interior Secretary Khurram Agha, Ambassador Naveed Bukhari, and other officials. He also acknowledged the critical role played by Pakistani teams in Saudi Arabia and Oman in securing the safe release of the crew.