Saudi-led coalition commander says maritime security is a shared responsibility
- Major General Abdullah Al-Shahri, commander of the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition (MMDC), said protecting international waterways is an international responsibility.
- He spoke after the coalition’s fourth planning meeting concluded in Jeddah on Friday.
- The MMDC announced it has reached initial operational capability.
The commander of the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition (MMDC) said Friday that safeguarding the world’s shipping lanes is a shared duty of the international community, as the alliance announced a major milestone in its development.
Major General Abdullah Al-Shahri spoke to reporters after the coalition’s fourth planning meeting concluded in Jeddah. “Protection of the international waterways is an international responsibility,” he said.
Al-Shahri announced that the coalition has reached initial operational capability. “Today, we announce the accomplishment of the initial operation capability of the MMDC,” he said, adding a warning aimed at anyone who might disrupt commercial shipping: “Any threat to the international maritime security will be deterred.”
The MMDC is a 14-country military alliance formed in July to keep the waterways surrounding the Arabian Peninsula open to international traffic. Its area of concern includes the Gulf of Aden, the Strait of Mandeb, and the Red Sea, which together form one of the world’s most important maritime corridors.
Friday’s announcement marks the coalition’s first formal step from planning toward readiness. The commander’s remarks also signal that the alliance sees its mission as serving global commerce and security, not only the interests of its member states.
