THE killing of at least three Pakistani sailors in an apparent Houthi attack targeting a vessel in the waters of Bab al-Mandeb and the strong reaction from the state, illustrate the combustible situation at this volatile chokepoint. Unless all sides, particularly the Houthis, show restraint, the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb maritime corridors can become the site of greater hostilities, mirroring the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. The attack took place on Aug 11, and the Yemeni government has held the Houthis responsible for it. However, the Iran-allied armed group, which controls much of Yemen, has not claimed the attack. This is uncharacteristic — the Houthis are rarely shy of accepting responsibility for such strikes, as they seek to enforce an embargo on Saudi vessels. The response from Pakistan has been very strong, with the foreign minister and Foreign Office condemning the killings. Pakistan has also raised the issue at the UN. In fact, Pakistan says that — as part of the Saudi-led maritime alliance to secure the Red Sea and its environs — it is “ready and willing” to assist Riyadh in protecting maritime traffic.

It is essential that a fresh round of hostilities be prevented in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb area. In this regard, the Houthis must act with prudence and refrain from hampering marine traffic and targeting vessels. If more countries are dragged into the violence as their sailors and ships are targeted, there is a very real possibility that matters will spiral out of control. And this would open up another front, pitting the pro-Iran Houthis against the Saudis and their allies. Along with further rattling energy markets and global commerce, such an exchange of fire in this unstable region can broaden the existing sectarian and ideological divisions within the Muslim world. It is therefore essential to establish peace within Yemen, while also restoring the Saudi-Houthi ceasefire. As Pakistan’s UN representative said, a “Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process” is the only viable path, while regional states can offer their good offices to try and bring Riyadh and the Houthis to an understanding. The Saudis should consider ending the blockade of Yemen, while the Houthis must also end their attacks on the kingdom’s territory and its ships. Short of this, matters will only escalate.

Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2026