Pakistan Warns Houthi Rebels After Threats Against Saudi Arabia

Islamabad (Terror Monitor)—Following threats by Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen to impose a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia and amid renewed tensions in the region, Pakistan has issued a warning of possible military action against the group.

According to reports from Islamabad, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement issued on Wednesday, July 22, that any hostile action against Pakistani-flagged vessels or Pakistan’s maritime interests would be considered a serious threat to the country’s national security and interests.

The nuclear-armed South Asian country also condemned the Houthi threats against Saudi Arabia. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, describing Saudi Arabia as a close security partner, said it was deeply concerned over attempts to drag the kingdom into the wider Middle East conflict and reaffirmed its “unwavering support” for Saudi Arabia’s security, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and prosperity.

Pakistan maintains a broad military partnership with Saudi Arabia. Any military intervention by Islamabad in support of Riyadh during a Saudi-Houthi confrontation could potentially put Pakistan in direct opposition to Iran due to the Houthis’ alignment with Tehran in Yemen’s civil war.

Under Pakistan’s defense arrangements with Saudi Arabia, any attack on Saudi Arabia is considered a threat to Pakistan’s interests.