Saudi Arabia Forms Coalition to Protect Red Sea from Iran-Backed Houthi Attacks

Saudi Arabia has announced plans to form an international coalition to protect the Red Sea from attacks by Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. The move comes after the Houthis imposed a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, disrupting oil shipments and causing global energy prices to surge.

The coalition will be headquartered in Riyadh and is expected to include countries such as the US, Egypt, Turkey, and several European nations. However, the exact membership has not been finalized, with around 50 countries invited to join.

The Houthis have targeted Saudi oil facilities and vessels, including a recent attack on an oil tanker that forced it to change course. The group has also threatened to impose tolls on shipping passing through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which could further disrupt global trade.