Saudi-led Maritime Defense Coalition Says Turkey Not a Member

Saudi Arabia has formed a Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition to protect navigation through the Bab al‑Mandab Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Initial Saudi documents listed Turkey among the founding members, but Ankara now confirms that Turkey is not part of the alliance. Technical talks on restoring free passage through the strait are ongoing, but no formal membership has been granted.

A coalition meeting was held with chiefs of staff from Bahrain, Kuwait and other participating nations. Attendees included senior military officials from the United States, Oman, Jordan, Morocco, Yemen, Sudan, the Maldives, Bangladesh and New Zealand. Bahrain’s Chief of Staff General Diyab Bin Sakr en‑Naimi stressed the need for "strong cooperation that will provide security and stability" and highlighted the importance of safeguarding sea lanes against the Houthi threat. Saudi officials have not yet issued a public comment on the meeting.

The coalition aims to strengthen maritime security, protect international trade routes and ensure safe navigation in a region facing escalating tensions.