Saudi-led maritime defence alliance appoints commander as membership grows
Saudi Maj Gen Abdullah Al Shehri has been appointed commander of the recently created multinational maritime alliance to protect Red Sea trade routes from attacks by Iran 's allies, Saudi Arabia 's Ministry of Defence said on Thursday. The alliance was announced following a meeting in Riyadh on July 30 of military representatives from 43 nations. The meeting came days after the Iran-aligned…
Maj Gen Abdullah Al Shehri has been appointed as the commander of the Saudi-led maritime defence alliance, aimed at safeguarding Red Sea trade routes from potential attacks by Iran and its allies, according to the Saudi Defence Ministry.
The alliance was established following a summit in Riyadh on July 30 involving military representatives from 43 countries, following the Houthis' declaration of a blockade on Saudi ports and shipping in the Red Sea in response to what they claimed was Saudi aggression in Yemen. Riyadh has denied these allegations.
Al Shehri will oversee the alliance's joint naval command, coordinate planning among member states and partner coalitions, and supervise the implementation of joint operations under the alliance's charter. The appointment is expected to strengthen the alliance's command structure and operational readiness, facilitating joint programmes, information sharing, capacity building, and combined training exercises among member states.
The Saudi Defence Ministry reported that additional countries have joined the alliance since its inception, with some already signing the declaration while others are in the process of formal accession. Discussions on new member admissions and institutional arrangements will take place at a scheduled meeting on August 12-13, and an updated roster of participating states will be announced once the accession procedures are completed.
The alliance's mission is to enhance maritime security, protect freedom of navigation, secure strategic shipping routes, and support international trade and humanitarian supply chains in adherence to international law. The Bab Al Mandeb strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden, strategically vital trade corridors near Saudi Arabia and Yemen, have been identified as the primary focus of the coalition's operations.
Since 2023, the Houthis have targeted ships in the Red Sea, citing solidarity with Palestinians during the Gaza conflict. These attacks have disrupted maritime traffic, leading to the formation of EU Operation Aspides and US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian. The EU's spokesperson stated that their mission continues in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden but declined to comment on potential collaboration with the Saudi-led coalition.
The Red Sea assumes increased strategic importance during the Iran conflict, serving as an alternative oil export route to the Strait of Hormuz. Recently, the Houthis carried out missile strikes on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, though Saudi Arabia has not confirmed these incidents.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
