New Delhi: Yahya Saree, military spokesperson for the Houthis has claimed that according to “preliminary information” it has, Saudi Arabia targeted a yacht carrying 14 Indian nationals near Zuqar Island in the Red Sea, near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.Saree said in a statement posted on X on Thursday (October 22) that the Houthis are rescuing the Indians aboard.“The Saudi enemy is targeting an Indian yacht near Zuqar Island, carrying 14 people of Indian nationality according to preliminary information. The Yemeni Armed Forces are rescuing them and will provide more details later,” Saree wrote. العدو السعودي يستهدف يختاً هندياً بالقرب من جزيرة زقر وعلى متنه 14 شخصاً من الجنسية الهندية بحسب المعلومات الأولية.القوات المسلحة اليمنية تقوم بإنقاذهم وستقدم المزيد من التفاصيل لاحقاً، وهذا التصرف الأرعن للعدو السعودي بهذا الاستهداف يهدد الملاحة الدولية في البحر الأحمر وعلى المجتمع الدولي إيقاف العدو السعودي عن هذه التصرفات الطائشة.— العميد/ يحيى سريع (@Yah_Saree) October 22, 2026“This reckless act by the Saudi enemy in targeting it threatens international navigation in the Red Sea, and the international community must stop the Saudi enemy from these reckless actions,” he added.The statement does not mention casualties in the alleged attack.India said in a statement that it had seen reports regarding an incident and was “ascertaining further details”. The Indian Embassy in Yemen said in a post on X that it would provide “all possible help for ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian nationals”.We have seen reports regarding an incident involving 14 Indian nationals on board a yacht off the coast of Yemen today. We are ascertaining further details about the incident and will provide all possible help for ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian nationals.@MEAIndia— India in Yemen (@IndiaInYemen) October 22, 2026Saudi-Houthi tensions have escalated in October, with Saudi-led forces reportedly intensifying airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, while the Houthis have claimed attacks on Saudi airports and oil infrastructure.On Thursday, Al Jazeera reports that as per Houthi-affiliated media three air strikes have hit the al-Sarari area in Taiz Governorate in southwestern Yemen.Also on Thursday, the Indian embassy in Riyadh announced on X that one Indian national was killed and two were injured in an attack on Dammam Airport in eastern Saudi Arabia.The Saudi Civil Aviation Authority had announced the death of a Saudi national in this attack.India has condemned the attacks against Indian nationals and on infrastructure facilities in Saudi Arabia. Authorities did not say who carried out the Dammam attack or provide further details. The Iran-backed Houthis have not commented on the attack.India is yet to respond to news of the attack on the yacht or allegations regarding its provenance. The developments come amid escalating tensions across West Asia, including renewed strikes on ships in the Hormuz strait. Iranian state television reported on Thursday that seven oil tankers were damaged in the Strait of Hormuz, either by attacks or naval mines.