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The US and UK launch attacks on Houthi bases in Yemen. Photo/Reuters
JAKARTA – The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Muscat, which has a working area in Yemen, stated that no Indonesian citizens (WNI) were victims of military attacks from the United States (US) and England.
“The Indonesian Embassy in Muscat continues to follow developments in the security situation in Yemen and the condition of Indonesian citizens,” said a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Indonesian Embassy in Muscat stated that there were 47 Indonesian citizens domiciled in the areas that were attacked, spread across Sanaa (15 people), Hudaidah (19 people) and Dhammar (13 people). “Based on communication with the Indonesian citizens, they are in good condition and safe,” said the Indonesian Embassy in Muscat.
The Indonesian Embassy will continue to coordinate with local authorities and communicate with the Indonesian community to monitor the condition and safety of Indonesian citizens.
Based on self-report data, there are 4,866 Indonesian citizens domiciled in Yemen, the majority of whom are students in the Tarim Hadhramaut Region. The Indonesian Embassy in Muscat has prepared a contingency plan if further escalation occurs. S
Previously, on November 2 2023, the Indonesian Embassy in Muscat had conveyed an appeal to Indonesian citizens in Yemen, especially in the Sanaa area and its surroundings, to increase vigilance and advised them to move temporarily to safer southern Yemen.
Meanwhile, the US and UK launched air and sea strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen overnight in response to the movement’s attacks on ships in the Red Sea.
Eyewitnesses in Yemen confirmed explosions across the country, and said the attacks targeted a military base adjacent to Sanaa airport, a military site near Taiz airport, a Houthi naval base in Hodeidah and a military site in Hajjah province.
“This targeted strike is a clear message that the United States and our partners will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or allow hostile forces to endanger freedom of navigation,” said US President Joe Biden.
Britain’s Ministry of Defense said in a statement that “early indications suggest that the Houthis’ ability to threaten merchandise shipments has been hit.” James Heappey, a junior defense minister, said the attack was carried out in self-defence and no further action was planned at this time.
Later, a Houthi military spokesman said 73 attacks had killed five of the group’s fighters and wounded six others. Such attacks will not occur without “punishment or retaliation” and the group will continue to target ships bound for Israel, he said.
The Houthis, an armed movement that has controlled much of Yemen for the past decade, have been attacking ships at the mouth of the Red Sea – one of the world’s busiest trade routes – since October. “This action is in support of Hamas,” they said.
(ahm)