A total of 154 naval commanders, planners, ambassadors and European Union representatives from 41 countries attended the fourth planning meeting of the multinational maritime defense alliance in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The meeting, held at the Western Fleet Command, assessed efforts to strengthen the alliance’s operational readiness, the requirements for joint work and the capabilities that participating countries will provide.
The alliance prepares for a joint command structure
The meeting addressed the alliance’s progress as it moves from its establishment phase to active operations. The alliance had reached its initial operational capability level, while work continued on integrating capabilities in the maritime area of operations and preparing for implementation.
The process for new countries to join the alliance was also discussed. Some countries had signed the alliance’s charter and joint declaration, while the number of liaison officers serving in their posts stood at 28.
The meeting also focused on increasing operational readiness and determining countries’ contributions so they can operate under a joint command structure. Following these efforts, the alliance aims to deploy forces in its area of responsibility and begin operational missions.
Security of maritime transit routes takes center stage
The alliance’s primary focus is securing maritime transport and maritime transit routes. Protecting these areas was described as an international interest requiring effective cooperation that brings together different capabilities and collective action.
The alliance’s previous meeting was held in Jeddah on August 13. On July 30, Saudi Arabia announced that 14 countries had approved the establishment of the multinational maritime defense alliance.
The alliance’s founding joint declaration said that participating countries supported the agreement reached on the project’s organizational arrangements. Separate from the coalition activities Saudi Arabia has conducted since 2015 to support Yemen’s government, the new structure focuses on protecting freedom of maritime navigation in the Bab al-Mandab Strait through international participation.
The meeting took place as attacks and threats by the Houthis against Saudi-owned vessels in the Red Sea increased. On July 20, the Houthis announced what they described as a “naval blockade” against Saudi Arabia and later announced that Saudi vessels had been targeted.
Saudi Arabia subsequently announced that it had carried out airstrikes on military facilities at the port of Hudaydah in western Yemen, which it said were being used to threaten commercial maritime traffic.
