Saudi Arabia has launched a new maritime alliance involving 14 countries, including Bangladesh, to strengthen security and protect international shipping through the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait.
The announcement came on Thursday amid heightened regional tensions after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement threatened to impose a maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia.
Last week, the Houthis said they would target Saudi oil tankers operating in the Red Sea, as well as oil infrastructure inside the kingdom, escalating concerns over the security of one of the world’s busiest energy transit routes.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait is a vital maritime corridor linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. It has become increasingly important for Saudi oil exports after shipments through the Strait of Hormuz were disrupted during the US-Iran standoff.
In a joint statement, the Saudi Ministry of Defence said the maritime alliance aims to enhance maritime security, protect freedom of navigation, secure international trade routes and energy supply lines, and safeguard shared maritime interests across the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
The 14 member states that have formally joined the initiative are Bahrain, Bangladesh, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Türkiye and Yemen.
Saudi Arabia said invitations had been sent to representatives from 51 countries and international organisations to attend a meeting on the initiative in Riyadh on Thursday.
According to the ministry, delegates from 43 countries, along with a European Union delegation, attended the meeting. Fourteen countries confirmed their support for the alliance, while several others are still considering whether to join.
The maritime alliance was launched amid renewed military tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. Earlier this month, the two sides exchanged cross-border attacks for the first time in years, raising concerns about the future of the 2022 ceasefire, which has largely held despite formally expiring.
The new coalition is expected to strengthen regional maritime security at a time when threats to commercial shipping and global energy supplies remain a major concern for governments and international trade.
Source: Agencies
