The Saudi Defense Ministry announced that 14 countries, including Turkey, Pakistan, and Egypt, have expressed support for a multinational maritime defense alliance. Saudi Arabia is expected to lead the coalition, which will focus on security cooperation in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. The announcement follows a conference of 43 nations hosted by Saudi Arabia earlier today.
The Saudi Defense Ministry tonight announced that 14 countries, including Turkey, Pakistan, and Egypt, have formally backed a multinational maritime defense alliance for the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Bab el-Mandeb. The announcement comes just minutes after the conclusion of a conference of 43 nations and the European Union hosted by Saudi Arabia earlier this evening.
The Zioneer reported at 19:23 Jerusalem that Saudi Arabia had hosted the 43-nation conference, with the coalition headquarters expected to be in Saudi Arabia. In a subsequent report at the same time, The Zioneer noted that 14 countries, including Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, and Gulf states, had issued formal support. The initial report at 19:23, citing N12, confirmed the meeting but did not list the countries. The thread thus shows a rapid evolution from a single-source report to an official Saudi announcement with a full list of endorsing nations.
The initiative follows months of reported Saudi diplomatic efforts. As The Zioneer reported on July 29, Saudi Arabia was working to establish an international coalition to protect Red Sea shipping against Houthi attacks. Broader context includes reports from July 25 of a potential joint US-Israel-Gulf military operation against Iran and the Houthis, as The Zioneer has reported.
The announcement does not detail the coalition's operational command, specific contributions from member states, or whether Israel will be involved. The coalition's official structure and activation timeline remain to be clarified.
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
- Open-source intake