Saudi Arabia has appointed Rear Admiral Abdullah bin Salem Al-Shehri as the first commander of a newly formed Multinational Maritime Defence Coalition, created to protect key international shipping routes in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, Red Sea, and Gulf of Aden.
Key points Rear Admiral Al-Shehri will:Lead the coalition’s naval defence operations. Coordinate activities among member states. Work with other international maritime security coalitions. Oversee missions in line with the coalition’s charter. Member countries The coalition currently includes 14 countries: Bahrain, Bangladesh, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi, Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Türkiye, Yemen.
Saudi Arabia says the alliance remains open to additional countries, with several nations already preparing to join. Next stepsA planning meeting is scheduled for 12–13 August 2026 to: Finalise the coalition’s organisational structure.Establish operational procedures. Prepare for the admission of additional member states. Purpose of the coalition The alliance aims to: Protect freedom of navigation.Safeguard international trade routes.Secure global energy supply routes.
Improve maritime security in one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors. The Bab al-Mandeb Strait, together with the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, forms a vital sea route linking the Indian Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal. Wider contextThe announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.
With the ongoing US–Israel conflict involving Iran affecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz—another critical global energy chokepoint—countries in the region are increasing efforts to secure alternative maritime routes and protect international commerce.
