Saudi-led maritime alliance formed to safeguard key shipping routes

Saudi Arabia has announced the formation of a multinational maritime security alliance involving 13 countries, including Bangladesh, to strengthen the protection of strategic waterways linking the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean.

According to Gulf News, the alliance will focus on ensuring freedom of navigation in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden�"vital routes for global trade and energy supplies.

In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Defence said the coalition aims to enhance joint maritime cooperation through intelligence sharing, coordinated operations, joint exercises and other defensive measures. It stressed that the alliance is defensive in nature and is not directed against any country.

The coalition includes Bangladesh, Turkey, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Pakistan, Djibouti, Somalia, Yemen, Sudan and Comoros. Saudi Arabia will serve as the founding member and host the alliance’s headquarters.

The initiative comes amid heightened regional tensions following attacks on commercial shipping by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi group and growing concerns over the security of key maritime trade routes.

The United Arab Emirates and Oman did not join the alliance, while the European Union participated in the founding meeting as an observer. Saudi Arabia said the alliance would remain open to additional members after they complete their domestic approval processes.