Saudi Arabia is building the structure for a maritime coalition that will conduct defensive operations to secure passage through the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Rear Admiral Abdullah bin Salem Alshehri will lead the effort, which includes Egypt, Pakistan, and Türkiye. Ten other countries have signed on, with more expected when the force meets in Jeddah on Aug. 12-13 to finalize its charter.
Yemen’s Houthis declared a blockade of Saudi shipping last month, attacked Saudi oil tankers this week, and are threatening to impose tolls, adding urgency to securing the waterway. The kingdom diverted much of its oil exports to the Red Sea during the war. Disruptions at Bab el-Mandeb force Saudi crude onto longer, costlier routes and add to strains on global trade.