KSA Joins International Maritime Security Alliance

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has decided on Wednesday to join the International Alliance for the Safety and Protection of Maritime Navigation, according to an official source at the Saudi Defense Ministry.

This international alliance aims at protecting merchant ships by providing safe navigation to ensure free maritime navigation and international trade and to protect the interests of the Alliance member states, thereby enhancing the security and safety of merchant ships passing through the corridors.

The Alliance's operation area covers the Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandab, the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Gulf.

The Kingdom accession to this international alliance came in support of regional and international efforts to deter and counter threats to maritime navigation and global trade, ensure global energy security, and the continued flow of energy supplies to the global economy and contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security.

Noteworthy, two oil facilities belonging to “Aramco”- the world most profitable company- were attacked by drones in the provinces of Abqaiq and Hijra Khurais, east of the Kingdom last Saturday, causing about 50% reduction of Saudi oil production, and about 50% of global supply.

The armed Houthi political opposition faction in Yemen claimed responsibility for the attacks. meanwhile, a senior US administration official said Iran was to blame, yet, Iran has denied it carried out the attack.