The Saudi Ministry of Defense announced Thursday the establishment of a 14-nation Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Sudan, Djibouti, and Somalia, to protect shipping in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
The Saudi Ministry of Defense officially announced the formation of the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition at around 20:09 Jerusalem time on Thursday, following a summit earlier in the evening that included representatives from 43 countries and the European Union. The coalition, expected to be headquartered in Saudi Arabia, is designed to enhance maritime security cooperation in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Bab el-Mandeb strait. The 14 participating nations — Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Sudan, Djibouti, and Somalia — have issued a joint statement of support. Additional countries that attended the summit are still completing their internal approval procedures to join, the ministry said. The initiative marks a significant step in regional efforts to secure vital shipping lanes amid ongoing threats to maritime traffic, as The Zioneer reported earlier Thursday evening.
10 developments
- StrongSaudi Arabia reportedly working to establish international Red Sea coalition against Houthi attacks
- StrongHouthis declared naval siege on Bab el-Mandeb last week, sparking Saudi confrontation
- DevelopingHouthi military spokesman declared naval blockade against Saudi Arabia
- StrongHouthis complete preparations to attack vessels in southern Red Sea, deploy missiles and drones near Bab el-Mandeb
Source and signal
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