Bangladesh condemns Houthi militias’ hijacking of UAE flag-bearing cargo ship

Dhaka, Jan 11 (Asia Free Press): Bangladesh has strongly condemned Houthi militias’ hijacking of a UAE flag-bearing cargo ship called “Rawabi”, off the coast of Al Hudayah Governorate on January 2, 2022, carrying medical field equipment for a Saudi Field Hospital on the island.

“This latest heinous attack obstructs humanitarian and relief work in the war-affected area of Yemen, and is morally unjustifiable and shows utter lack of respect for international norms and values,” a statement issued by the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry.

It stated Bangladesh is concerned that such insensible and illegal acts are being deliberately repeated and directed against the humanitarian and relief activities being conducted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its coalition partners, reported BSS.

Bangladesh particularly condemns the hijacking of the ship, which is illegal and constitutes a terrorist act and piracy against the ship and its crew. This act is also a gross violation of international humanitarian law, read the statement.

Bangladesh calls upon the criminals who carried out this attack and hijacking to take urgent action to release the ship and evacuate from it. Bangladesh in principle underscores the need to ensure safety and security of international maritime laws along all maritime routes, including the Southern Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Arabian Sea, the statement added.

“Bangladesh reiterates its firm solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its brotherly people against any threats to its security and stability,” it sdded.

Bangladesh, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Pakistan, and China also showed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and strongly condemned the Houthi militias for their acts.