RIYADH, August 14. /Dunyo IA/. Fifteen countries have signed a joint statement on the establishment of a Multinational Maritime Defence Coalition, to be led by Saudi Arabia, reports Dunyo IA correspondent, citing with “Anadolu” Agency.

According to the Saudi Ministry of Defence, as cited by the agency, 13 countries have already completed their internal procedures, signed the coalition’s charter and officially announced their accession. The decision was taken following the third meeting of the coalition’s planning bodies, held in Jeddah on August 14^th.

Coalition will focus on ensuring freedom of navigation, international trade and energy supply routes in the area of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Saudi Rear Admiral Abdullah bin Salem Al-Shehri has been appointed its commander, while a representative of Pakistan will serve as his deputy.

Establishment of the coalition comes amid a worsening situation in Yemen. In recent days, clashes between the Iran-backed Houthis and government forces have intensified. At least one serviceman was killed and another seriously wounded in Taiz Governorate. According to Yemeni military sources, dozens of government servicemen have been killed in clashes since last week.

Houthis have also claimed a new drone attack on a Saudi Aramco oil facility in the city of Jizan. Saudi authorities have yet to confirm the report. Last month, the Houthis announced a blockade of Saudi Arabia’s shipping.

Meanwhile, UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg warned the Security Council that Yemen is now closer than at any time since 2022 to a return to large-scale hostilities. According to the United Nations, around 6 million people in the country are facing emergency levels of food insecurity, approaching famine.

 Photo by “ABC” News