Saudi Arabia seeks international coalition amid Houthi Red Sea blockade

Tanker traffic at Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu port has declined by more than a third following a blockade declared by Houthi rebels targeting Saudi vessels in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. This maritime escalation has significantly disrupted Red Sea shipping, with recent data showing cargo vessel passage through the strait at its lowest levels in months.

In response to the blockade and attacks on Saudi ships, the Saudi Ministry of Defense has met with nearly fifty countries in Riyadh to form an international coalition to protect shipping. At least thirteen nations, including Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan, and Nigeria, have affirmed support for the initiative.

The Houthis have characterized the situation as a response to what they term an “unjust and oppressive siege” on Yemen, while officials from Yemen’s internationally recognized government have accused the rebels of acting under Iranian guidance to establish a toll system for ships in the Red Sea. Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi has signaled a readiness for “full escalation” in response to Saudi actions.