Saudi Arabia forms naval defense coalition after Houthi attacks
Photo: Yemeni Houthis (Getty Images)
Saudi Arabia has announced its intention to create an international naval defense coalition to protect shipping and energy routes in the Red Sea. The initiative is a response to a series of attacks by Yemeni Houthis, which in recent weeks have been threatening one of the world's key trade corridors, according to Reuters.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense reported that representatives from 43 countries, including from the European Union, took part in the international meeting dedicated to the creation of the coalition.
Riyadh is acting as the founding state of the future coalition and plans to establish its headquarters on its territory.
According to the Saudi side's plan, the new alliance is intended to strengthen maritime security, ensure freedom of navigation, and protect international and energy supply routes.
Special attention is planned for security in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden.
Who supported the initiative?
According to the Saudi Ministry of Defense, a joint statement supporting the creation of the coalition has already been signed by 14 countries.
Among them:
- Türkiye;
- Pakistan;
- Egypt;
- Sudan;
- Djibouti.
At the same time, among the Gulf countries, Oman and the United Arab Emirates did not join the document.
Context of the event
The initiative came after a sharp escalation of the situation in the Red Sea. On July 20, Yemen's Houthis, who are linked to Iran, announced the imposition of a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea waters. After that, the group reported a series of attacks on vessels linked to Saudi Arabia.
US President Donald Trump has already raised the issue of free navigation in the Red Sea and promised to deal with the Houthis if they block the strait.
