Saudi Arabia joins international maritime security alliance

Alanbatnews - Saudi Arabia decided to join the International Maritime Security Construct that aims to protect merchant ships and ensure freedom of maritime navigation and international trade, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said on Wednesday citing a source from the Ministry of Defense.

The source said that the US-led international alliance covers areas that include the Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandab, Sea of Oman and the Arabian Gulf.

"The Kingdom’s accession to the alliance comes in support of regional and international efforts to deter and counter threats to maritime navigation and global trade in order to secure freedom of navigation in the gulf amid heightened regional tensions," the source added.

The Saudi decision came days following drone attacks on two major Aramco oil facilities in Saudi Arabia.