Pakistan Navy deploys warships in Arabian Sea to ward off attacks by Houthi rebels

Pakistan Navy, after recent incidents of breach of maritime security in the Arabian Sea, have deployed their warships, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.

According to the spokesman for the Pakistan Navy, these ships are constantly patrolling in order to ensure the protection of Pakistan’s trade routes.

He has informed that the navy is also conducting aerial surveillance of these routes. “The purpose of patrolling is not only to ensure the safety of Pakistani ships but also those belonging to other countries,” the spokesman has elaborated.

Last month, Yemen-based Houthi rebels had also claimed an attack on a Pakistan-bound ship from Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea. 

 “Pakistan Navy is well aware of its national responsibility in maintaining maritime peace and order in the region,” the statement noted. 

Last week India announced it had deployed three warships in the Arabian Sea after a drone hit an “Israel-affiliated” merchant vessel about 200 nautical miles (370km) off the coast of the western state of Gujarat. No casualties were, however, reported in the attack, which the US blamed on Iran, which the latter dismissed.

Exporters from around the world are in trouble these days because of a spate of attacks on commercial vessels by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.

The rebels who have vowed to avenge the massacre of Palestinians at the hands of Israeli forces, have said they will target any ship passing through the Red Sea that are bound for the Jewish state.