Saudi Arabia Forms Coalition to Safeguard Red Sea Shipping Amid Houthi Attacks
Saudi Arabia is taking steps to protect commercial shipping in the Red Sea from attacks by Yemen's Houthi group. The kingdom is seeking to form an international coalition to safeguard vessels and ensure safe passage through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This move comes after the Iran-aligned Houthis announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, citing a Saudi siege on Yemen.
The Houthi group has since launched attacks on Saudi vessels in the Red Sea, prompting Riyadh to respond with air strikes on what it said were Houthi military facilities at Yemen's Hodeidah port used to threaten commercial shipping. The situation has opened a new front against the United States and its allies in the wider Iran war.
The blockade and subsequent attacks have pushed oil prices higher, as tankers carrying energy supplies face increased risks in navigating the region. With dozens of countries involved in discussions, the composition of the coalition is still being finalized.