Saudi Arabia Announces 15 Countries Sign Statement Forming Maritime Defense Coalition

Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry announced on Thursday that fifteen countries have signed a statement to form a multinational maritime defense coalition.

"The number of countries that signed the joint statement reached 15 countries, while 13 countries have completed their national procedures, signed the coalition charter, and officially announced their joining," said a statement released on the social media X, reported Anadolu (14/8).

The statement was made following the third meeting of the coalition planners held on Thursday in Jeddah.

"This marks the real launch of the coalition towards the institutional and operational activation phase, while other countries continue to complete the necessary national procedures to join the coalition," the statement said.

The ministry also emphasized that although this coalition would be led by a Saudi commander, the position of deputy commander would be filled by a representative from Pakistan.

Saudi Arabia and 13 other countries announced the formation of a Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition on July 30, which aims to safeguard freedom of navigation, international trade, and energy supply routes in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.

On August 6, Saudi Arabia's Rear Admiral Abdullah bin Salem Al-Shehri was appointed as the coalition commander.