Saudi Arabia Appoints Commander for New Maritime Defence Alliance

Saudi Arabia has appointed the first commander of its newly formed multinational maritime defence alliance, a coalition created to safeguard freedom of navigation and protect key international shipping routes through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The Saudi Ministry of Defence announced on Thursday that Rear Admiral Abdullah bin Salem Al-Shehri will lead the coalition. His appointment comes one week after the alliance was officially established.

Rear Admiral to Lead Coalition Operations

According to the ministry, Rear Admiral Al-Shehri will oversee the coalition's joint naval defence operations. His responsibilities include coordinating with member states, working alongside other maritime coalitions, and carrying out missions in line with the coalition's charter.

The ministry shared the announcement through its official account on X.

Fourteen Countries Form Founding Coalition

The multinational maritime defence coalition was announced on July 30 by 14 countries:

• Bahrain
• Bangladesh
• Comoros
• Djibouti
• Egypt
• Jordan
• Kuwait
• Pakistan
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Turkiye
• Yemen

The coalition was established to strengthen cooperation in protecting vital maritime routes used for global trade and energy transportation.

More Countries Expected to Join

The Saudi Ministry of Defence said additional countries are completing the procedures to become members of the alliance.

According to the ministry, some countries have already signed the joint declaration, while others are preparing to sign both the declaration and the coalition's charter before officially joining as founding members.

The ministry also described the alliance as an "open international coalition" that welcomes countries willing to support its objectives and principles. It added that membership applications continue to be received.

Planning Meeting Scheduled for August

The coalition will hold a planning meeting on August 12–13 to finalise its institutional framework. The meeting is also expected to prepare the coalition for the entry of additional member countries.

Coalition Aims to Protect Strategic Waterways

The founding members said the coalition's primary mission is to protect freedom of navigation and secure international trade and energy supply routes passing through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.

These waterways form a strategic maritime corridor linking the Indian Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea, making them among the world's most important shipping routes.

Regional Security Concerns Continue

The announcement comes as the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has shifted attention to the Strait of Hormuz.

Before the conflict, approximately 20% of global oil and gas supplies passed through the Strait of Hormuz. The route's virtual closure has increased pressure on the global economy.