Britain reviews Saudi request to join maritime coalition protecting Red Sea navigation

The New Arab has learned that Britain has not yet responded to Saudi Arabia's request to participate in a new international coalition it is proposing to protect maritime security in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

A British government source said London "is reviewing the proposals" suggested by the Saudi government statement regarding a "multinational maritime defensive coalition".

The Saudi Defence Ministry announced that 14 countries, including Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, Sudan and Djibouti, support the formation of the maritime coalition for the Red Sea region.

Reports said the countries Saudi Arabia hopes will participate in the coalition include the United States and a group of European countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy.

According to a British source who spoke to The New Arab on condition of anonymity, the British government is holding consultations with international partners as part of its consideration of the appropriate response.

However, the same source confirmed Britain's "support" for Saudi Arabia in confronting what it described as "serious threats" targeting its security.

In comments to The New Arab, a British government spokesperson said London remains committed "to protecting freedom of navigation".

The spokesperson confirmed what the government source said regarding London's consultations on the coalition Saudi Arabia is seeking to build.

The spokesperson said Britain "continues to hold constructive discussions with allies on diplomatic and military efforts aimed at enhancing maritime security".

According to the Saudi statement, issued on Thursday, 30 July, Riyadh called on countries "that share the coalition's objectives and principles to join its charter in accordance with its provisions, contributing to expanding the scope of cooperation and strengthening collective maritime security" in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The statement further said that establishing the coalition "represents a strategic step towards enhancing maritime security" in the region, "consolidating defence cooperation among member states, and supporting stability and prosperity".

It added that, if completed, this coalition would "contribute to integration with international efforts to protect international peace and security, in accordance with the provisions of international law".

Last week, the Saudi government announced that new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that Britain condemned Houthi attacks and "their threat to maritime navigation in the Red Sea".

He also acknowledged his country's support for Saudi Arabia's security and sovereignty.

Britain's participation in the proposed new coalition is significant because its navy currently leads the "Combined Task Force", known as "CTF 151".

Task Force 151 was established in January 2009, based on United Nations Security Council resolutions, with the aim of "contributing to protecting the free flow of trade".

The resolutions primarily targeted combating piracy after it escalated off the coast of Somalia as a result of the economic, social and political conflicts that affected the country.

Since its establishment, the task force has also aimed to "enhance maritime security" and "develop regional leadership capabilities and reassure the international community" regarding maritime security.

Alongside Britain, the force includes the United States, Bahrain, Brazil, Denmark, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Pakistan, the Philippines, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand and Turkey.

Some of these countries, including Britain, have contributed ships, aircraft and personnel to the force.

Britain also has a major naval base in Bahrain, which is described as a key centre for coordinating command and operations to manage maritime crises in the Gulf and the Arabian Sea.

Britain says its military participation aims to neutralise threats resulting from Iranian military operations and Iran's regional proxies.

Article translated from Arabic by Afrah Almatwari. To read the original, click here.