Saudi Arabia Forms Coalition to Shield Oil Exports from Houthi Attacks
Saudi Arabia has formed an international coalition to protect key shipping routes from attacks by Yemeni Houthi militias. The Saudi Ministry of Defense met with nearly 50 countries in Riyadh to establish a multinational maritime defense coalition, focusing on securing routes through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.
The group discussed the need to safeguard these shipping lanes, which transport Saudi oil exports. Pakistan has condemned the threatened Houthi blockade in the Red Sea, calling it a violation of international law. The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have previously claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi ships and international vessels.
The importance of the Red Sea has increased since the U.S.-Iran conflict began in February, causing partial closures of the Strait of Hormuz. As a result, oil prices have risen, with Brent crude reaching over $90 a barrel. The Houthi attacks have slowed Red Sea shipping, with only 11 cargo vessels passing through the strait last Monday.