What triggered the formation of this Red Sea defence alliance?

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The Red Sea Defence Alliance Was Formed in Response to Houthi Maritime Embargo Declarations and Attacks

The formation of a maritime defence alliance to secure navigation around the Bab al-Mandab Strait was triggered by declarations from Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis. These declarations included imposing a maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia and claims of attacks targeting Saudi oil tankers and infrastructure. The strategic importance of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, particularly for Saudi crude exports, underscored the need for this alliance.
Houthi Declarations and Attacks Prompted the Alliance

Yemen's Houthis announced a maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia and claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea and oil infrastructure within the kingdom. These actions directly preceded the establishment of the defence alliance by Saudi Arabia, highlighting the immediate threat perceived to maritime operations. The narrow Bab al-Mandab Strait, a crucial chokepoint for international trade and energy supplies, became the focal point of these security concerns.
Critical Waterway for Saudi Crude Exports

The Bab al-Mandab Strait is a vital maritime artery for Saudi Arabia, facilitating the export of significant volumes of crude oil to the global market. Its significance is amplified by previous disruptions experienced in the Strait of Hormuz, making the security of the Bab al-Mandab Strait paramount for maintaining stable energy supply lines. The alliance aims to ensure the continued free flow of these essential exports.
Alliance Includes Fourteen Nations

The newly formed maritime defence alliance comprises fourteen countries: Bahrain, Bangladesh, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Turkey, and Yemen. These nations collectively seek to enhance maritime security and protect shared interests within the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.
Objectives to Safeguard Navigation and Trade

The stated aims of the alliance are multifaceted, focusing on enhancing overall maritime security, safeguarding freedom of navigation, and securing international trade routes and energy supply lines. The protection of shared maritime interests in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, Red Sea, and Gulf of Aden is a central objective for the participating nations. Saudi Arabia had invited representatives from 51 countries and organizations to a meeting regarding the alliance, with 43 countries and an EU delegation attending, leading to 14 nations confirming their support.

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What triggered the formation of this Red Sea defence alliance?

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