Saudi Arabia Seeks International Coalition to Protect Red Sea Shipping
Riyadh:Saudi Arabia has begun efforts to establish an international coalition aimed at safeguarding maritime navigation in the Red Sea following recent attacks on commercial shipping.
According to news agency reports, Saudi Arabia is in discussions with numerous countries to form a coalition to enhance the protection of vessels operating in the region after attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi movement.
According to **Reuters**, two sources familiar with the matter said the proposed coalition is still under discussion, and its final structure has yet to be determined.
Meanwhile, Yemen’s Information Minister claimed that the Houthi movement, **Ansar Allah**, is planning to impose toll charges on ships passing through the **Bab el-Mandeb Strait**.
The minister described the alleged plan as a dangerous development, accusing the Houthis of attempting to use the strategic waterway as a source of funding for their activities.
The move follows the Houthis’ recent announcement of a maritime blockade targeting Saudi Arabia, after which the group reportedly attacked two Saudi oil tankers.
In response, Saudi-led coalition forces carried out strikes on Houthi military positions in Yemen’s **Al Hudaydah Governorate**, targeting sites linked to the group.
