Why is Saudi Arabia forming a coalition to protect the Red Sea?

Saudi Arabia has announced a mission to form an international alliance to guard the Red Sea from attacks on shipping by Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.Dozens of countries have been invited to join the coalition, although membership has not been finalised, according to a Reuters report on Wednesday.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4In the waters off Malaysia, Iranian oil sales continue despite blockadelist 2 of 4India’s arms sale to Israel risks complicity in Gaza genocide, Amnesty sayslist 3 of 4Is Israel repeating the Crusaders’ fatal mistake?list 4 of 4US strikes cause extensive damage on Iran’s Qeshm Islandend of listThe Houthis imposed a maritime blockade on the kingdom on July 20 , disrupting oil shipments diverted to the Red Sea following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Reports have also emerged that they plan to impose tolls on shipping passing through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait off the coast of Yemen.Tensions along the Red Sea shipping route have further hit global energy prices and supply lines, as severe disruptions to Gulf exports through Hormuz continue to reverberate.The new Saudi-led alliance is set to be headquartered in Riyadh and could be unveiled as e...