Saudi Arabia seeks to form an international coalition to protect Red Sea shipping from Houthi attacks.
Saudi Arabia is currently seeking to build an international coalition to protect maritime shipping in the Red Sea from ongoing attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The coalition's composition is not yet finalized, but discussions are held with dozens of countries to secure the strategic corridor. This move follows a maritime blockade imposed by the Houthis on July 20, accusing Saudi leaders of an "unjust and oppressive siege" on Yemen for nearly 12 years. In response, the Houthis have launched ballistic missile attacks on Saudi oil tankers, including the NCC GHAZAL, for violating the navigation ban. Saudi Arabia has responded with air strikes on Houthi military facilities at Yemen’s Hodeidah port. The Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait are critical global shipping routes, with approximately 4.1 billion barrels of crude oil and refined petroleum products passing through the strait in 2024. The blockade threatens to increase oil prices and expand the conflict beyond the Gulf, potentially impacting the global economic outlook.