Saudi Arabia is seeking to form a multinational alliance to protect maritime navigation and shipping in the Red Sea. The move comes as the kingdom works to counter a blockade imposed by Yemen's Houthi militia last week and respond to ongoing attacks by the group.
On July 30, a meeting regarding the alliance was held, attended by an EU delegation and military representatives from 43 countries. Saudi Arabia invited these nations to assist in protecting shipping routes in the region.
Fourteen nations have already backed and signed up for the Saudi-led coalition. The alliance is intended to protect vital trade and energy routes amid escalating hostilities and Houthi attacks in and around the Red Sea.