Saudi Arabia is spearheading the formation of a naval defense coalition involving 14 countries in response to attacks on shipping by the Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen. The coalition aims to protect vessels and oil transport routes threatened by Houthi actions near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical passage in the Red Sea.
On July 30, a joint statement supporting the establishment of the multinational naval coalition was released by Saudi Arabia and the other participating nations.
Countries involved include Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, and Jordan. Notably, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, both members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), are not included in the coalition.
Saudi Arabia is taking the lead in forming the coalition and plans to host its headquarters. The coalition's objective is to safeguard shipping and key trade and oil transport routes across the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden.
The immediate impetus for the coalition's formation stems from recent Houthi maritime blockades and attacks on vessels targeting Saudi Arabia.
On July 20, the Houthis declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia and subsequently attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea on July 23. In retaliation, Saudi forces conducted airstrikes on Houthi military facilities in the Hodeidah region of Yemen on July 24.
Tensions in the Red Sea are escalating amid disruptions to shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. Both the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb Strait are vital corridors for Middle Eastern oil and international cargo, and simultaneous disruptions in these areas could significantly impact global oil transport and maritime logistics.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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