Saudi Arabia has announced the formation of a maritime coalition to safeguard shipping and energy supplies in the Red Sea, a crucial route threatened by Houthi rebel attacks. Riyadh hosted a meeting with 43 countries and the EU, resulting in 14 nations committing to the multinational defensive coalition. These include Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Sudan, and several other Arab and African countries.

The alliance aims to enhance maritime security, protect freedom of navigation, and secure international trade and energy routes in key areas like the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea. Saudi Arabia will lead the coalition, headquartered in Riyadh, with participating countries agreeing to share intelligence and conduct joint maritime operations.

The coalition's formation comes amid escalating concerns over repeated Houthi attacks. The Iran-aligned group recently declared a "maritime blockade" against Saudi Arabia after a four-year truce collapsed. The Red Sea has become a vital export outlet for Saudi energy, particularly as the Strait of Hormuz faces disruptions. This initiative follows similar efforts by the US ("Operation Prosperity Guardian") and the EU ("Operation Aspides") to deter attacks in the region.