Bahrain condemns Houthi attack on Saudi-owned ship in Red Sea

Bahrain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the "heinous terrorist attack" by the Iran-backed Houthi militia targeting a vessel owned by a Saudi company while it was sailing in the Red Sea, which caused a fire at the front of the ship but resulted in no injuries.

In a statement issued today, the ministry described the incident as a blatant violation of international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and a serious threat to maritime security, international trade, and energy supplies.

The ministry reaffirmed Bahrain's full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its complete support for all legitimate measures taken by the Kingdom to safeguard its sovereignty, security, stability, and vital interests.

Bahrain also renewed its call for the international community, especially the UN Security Council, to fulfill its responsibilities to end such terrorist attacks, take decisive action to protect the safety of maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, Bab Al-Mandab, and other vital waterways, and hold those responsible for these attacks accountable to maintain regional and global security and stability.

A source at the General Transport Authority confirmed that all crew members of the ENCELIA, a vessel owned by a Saudi company, were safe after the ship was targeted while sailing in the Red Sea, which led to a fire at the bow.

The source added that all necessary measures were taken by the relevant authorities to secure the vessel and its crew, as well as to protect the marine environment from any potential impact of the incident.

The source noted that such attacks constitute a violation of international laws and conventions that ensure the safety of commercial ships and their crews.