Kathmandu— Saudi Arabia has formally launched a maritime defense coalition intended to safeguard commercial shipping in the critical Red Sea and Gulf of Aden waterways, responding to increased threats from Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Thirteen countries have finalized their participation in the alliance, with fifteen others signing a joint statement supporting its goals. The coalition will focus on intelligence sharing, coordinated exercises, and maritime operations to ensure safe navigation in the region, as Saudi Arabia provides the first commander and Pakistan is set to appoint the deputy commander. This development follows a recent escalation of conflict between Saudi-backed Yemeni forces and the Iran-aligned Houthis, jeopardizing vital trade routes and prompting concerns over Saudi oil exports.

Coalition Formation and Membership

Thirteen nations have completed the necessary procedures to officially join the maritime defense coalition, while an additional fifteen countries have endorsed its joint statement, according to the Saudi Defense Ministry. The announcement marks what Riyadh calls the “actual launch” of the alliance and the beginning of its operational phase. Saudi Arabia will provide the first commander for the coalition, with Pakistan expected to fulfill the role of deputy commander. The group is designed to coordinate intelligence sharing, conduct joint exercises, and carry out maritime operations focused on protecting commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Escalating Hostilities in Yemen

The launch of the coalition comes amid a significant increase in tensions between Saudi-backed forces in Yemen and the Houthi movement. After roughly four years of relative calm, the Houthis announced coordinated ballistic missile and drone strikes earlier this month targeting military camps belonging to the internationally recognized Yemeni government. Government sources cited by Reuters reported at least 30 soldiers were killed as a result of these attacks. The group stated their actions were in response to perceived preparations for an offensive against territory they control.

Disrupted Trade Routes and Saudi Oil Exports

The growing conflict poses a direct threat to the Red Sea, which has become increasingly important for Saudi oil exports amid ongoing tensions with Iran and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Since June, loadings at the Red Sea port of Yanbu have averaged over four million barrels per day – more than four times the volume recorded during the same period last year, according to tanker-tracking data reported by Reuters. With oil and petroleum products comprising over three-quarters of Saudi Arabia’s exports, a sustained disruption to Red Sea shipping could significantly impact this crucial export route.

Potential for Wider Confrontation

Reports suggest that Riyadh may be preparing for a broader confrontation with the Houthis. Yemeni sources cited by The Guardian earlier this month indicated that Saudi-backed forces were being repositioned in anticipation of a potential sea and ground offensive. Tensions initially began to rise in July, following a dispute over direct flights between Houthi-controlled Sanaa and Tehran which led to the collapse of a longstanding truce. After Saudi-backed forces struck Sanaa airport on July 13th, the Houthis blamed Riyadh, declared the ceasefire over, and announced a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia.

The newly formed maritime coalition is now entering its operational phase as tensions in Yemen continue to escalate, with both sides engaging in attacks and counterattacks. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected in the coming weeks.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.