Start of the actual operational phase of the Maritime Defense Alliance from Riyadh

The Saudi Ministry of Defense confirmed that the multinational maritime defense coalition has begun its operational phase from its command headquarters in Riyadh. This follows the assumption of duties by Pakistani Brigadier General Rashid Sheikh as deputy commander of the coalition, alongside liaison officers from several member states and countries undergoing accession procedures. Liaison officers from other participating nations will be deployed sequentially, in accordance with the quotas allocated to each country.

The multinational coalition, established by Saudi Arabia, which also hosts its permanent headquarters, aims to enhance maritime security, safeguard freedom of navigation, secure international trade routes and energy supply lines, and protect shared maritime interests in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden, in accordance with international law, United Nations conventions, and international customs.

These efforts are part of the body’s initiatives to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s leading international position in the sector, by deepening integration with similar entities abroad to exchange expertise and establish mechanisms for cooperation and building international partnerships in the field of cybersecurity.