The multinational maritime defense alliance has entered a new phase. Saudi Arabia announced that 13 countries had officially joined the alliance and said preparations to establish joint command and operational capabilities were continuing.
The alliance's third planning meeting was held at the Western Fleet Command in Jeddah. Representatives from 39 sister and friendly countries came together at the meeting.
Number of countries signing joint statement rises to 15
The number of countries that signed the alliance's joint statement has reached 15. Thirteen of these countries completed their national procedures, signed the alliance agreement and officially announced their membership.
The other countries continue to complete the national procedures required to join the alliance.
Commander from Saudi Arabia and deputy from Pakistan
As part of the arrangements concerning the alliance's institutional structure, it was decided that the commander would be appointed from Saudi Arabia. An agreement was reached for an official from Pakistan to serve as deputy commander during the initial period.
A headquarters location was selected for the alliance command, and an emblem was adopted. Preparations are also continuing for the regulatory framework, planning documents and application resources needed to launch operations.
At the meeting, implementation arrangements were completed to activate the joint maritime operations and coordination center, as well as the intelligence center. The alliance's command and headquarters structure is also planned to become operational under these arrangements.
Officers and personnel from member countries are expected to be accepted and incorporated into the joint command and headquarters structure. The move is intended to build the alliance's operational capacity and accelerate preparations for defense duties within its area of responsibility.
Alliance aims to protect freedom of navigation on sea routes
The alliance aims to strengthen maritime security and protect freedom of navigation on sea routes and through maritime passages. Supporting the continuity of international trade and supply chains is also among the alliance's main objectives.
In the new phase, the work is expected to shift from creating the structure and framework toward combining the capacities of member countries under a joint command. The shift is intended to lay the groundwork for reaching operational readiness and carrying out the tasks assigned to the alliance.
Alliance's formation process and the Yemen front
Saudi Arabia announced on July 30 that 14 countries had approved the establishment of the multinational maritime defense alliance. The countries said they supported the project and welcomed the agreement reached on the founding arrangements.
These developments took place as the Houthis increased their attacks and threats against Saudi-owned vessels in the Red Sea. On July 20, the Houthis announced that they were imposing what they called a "naval blockade" against Saudi Arabia; they subsequently said they had targeted Saudi vessels with missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Saudi Arabia then carried out airstrikes on the port of Hudaydah in western Yemen. Saudi Arabia said the strikes targeted military facilities that the Houthis were using to threaten commercial maritime transport.
The new maritime defense alliance has a different framework from the coalition Saudi Arabia has led since 2015 to support Yemen's government. The alliance focuses on protecting freedom of navigation in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait with international participation.
