Saudi Arabia Leads Coalition to Protect Red Sea Shipping Lanes Amid Houthi Threats

Saudi Arabia has established a multinational maritime defense coalition to safeguard shipping lanes in the Red Sea, amid rising tensions and threats from Iran-backed Houthi fighters. The move comes after the Houthis imposed a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia last week, disrupting oil shipments diverted to the Red Sea.

The coalition, which includes 14 countries, aims to protect commercial shipping, energy supply lines, and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and Gulf of Aden. Saudi Arabia will serve as the founding and leading state, hosting its headquarters. The alliance is intended to strengthen collective maritime defense cooperation.

The move is seen as a response to the Houthi blockade, with Saudi Arabia responding with airstrikes on what it described as Houthi military facilities in Yemen's Hodeidah. At least one Saudi-owned tanker has been attacked, while other vessels turned around or opted for a longer route through the Suez Canal.