▲ The Red Sea Shipping Route
Saudi Arabia is pushing to establish an international coalition to protect ships navigating the Red Sea from Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
Citing sources, Reuters reported on the 29th local time that the Saudi government is discussing the creation of an international coalition with dozens of countries to protect vessels sailing through the Red Sea.
Saudi Arabia's International Communication Center did not respond to inquiries regarding the establishment of the international coalition.
This move by the Saudi government comes as the Houthi rebels attempt to secure control over the Red Sea.
On the 20th, the Houthi rebels declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia and are seeking to impose tolls on ships passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Following their declaration of a maritime blockade—blaming Saudi Arabia for the bombing of Sanaa Airport in Yemen's capital—the Houthi rebels attacked two Saudi oil tankers on the 23rd.
Tensions have escalated between the two sides as Saudi Arabia launched immediate retaliatory airstrikes on the port of Hodeidah, which is held by Yemen's Houthi rebels.
With navigation through the Strait of Hormuz disrupted due to the conflict between the United States and Iran, Saudi Arabia would lose vital oil export routes if the Houthi rebels also take control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.