Red Sea Security Coalition Formed Amid Escalating Houthi Threats
Saudi Arabia has formed a 14-nation coalition to secure shipping routes in the Red Sea, a vital corridor for its oil exports. The alliance, headquartered in Riyadh, consists of Bahrain, Bangladesh, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Somalia, Sudan, Turkey, and Yemen, but notably excludes the UAE and Oman.
The coalition aims to 'strengthen maritime security, protect freedom of navigation, secure international trade routes and energy-supply corridors, and safeguard shared maritime interests in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.'
This move comes as Saudi Arabia's oil export routes face increased threats from Houthi militia attacks in Yemen. The group has targeted shipping in the Red Sea and infrastructure on Saudi soil, including oil facilities.