The Sultanate of Oman continues its diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, promoting dialogue, international law and peaceful negotiation as foundations for regional security and stability.
Demonstrating such an approach, a Royal Oman Air Force jet flew 11 mariners held by the Yemeni Houthi terrorist group from Sanaa to Muscat
in December 2025.
The Houthis had held the sailors since the rebels attacked their ship, the Greek-operated Eternity C, in the Red Sea in July 2025. The ship sank after the Houthis attacked with drones and rocket-propelled grenades, killing four crew members.
The freed sailors were greeted on arrival in Muscat by Filipino and Indian diplomats. Nine mariners were from the Philippines, one from India and another from Russia.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed gratitude to Oman and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq for their unceasing assistance in getting the Filipino mariners’ released. “They are truly a friend of the Filipino people,” he said.
In an illegal campaign to disrupt international shipping that began in November 2023, the Houthis have targeted more than 100 ships using missiles and drones.
Sources: Omandaily.om, The Canadian Press