Saudi Arabia launches maritime coalition amid escalation in Yemen

The group’s attacks are threatening a Red Sea shipping route that has become increasingly important amid disruption in the Strait of Hormuz Saudi Arabia has announced the formal launch of a multinational maritime defense coalition aimed at safeguarding shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, as escalating hostilities with Yemen’s Houthis threaten one of the world’s most important trade routes.Thirteen countries have completed the procedures required to formally join the alliance, while 15 have signed its joint statement, the Saudi Defense Ministry said on Thursday.Riyadh described the development as the “actual launch” of the coalition and the beginning of its institutional and operational activation. Saudi Arabia will provide its first commander, while Pakistan is expected to appoint the deputy commander. The alliance is expected to coordinate intelligence sharing, joint exercises and maritime operations aimed at protecting commercial navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The announcement comes amid a sharp escalation between Saudi-backed forces in Yemen and the Iran-aligned Houthi movement following roughly four years of relative calm.Earlier this month, the Houthis annou...