Houthi leader warns Saudi Arabia as Riyadh forms Red Sea defence coalition

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Abdul-Malik al-Houthi warned of a 'full escalation' against Saudi Arabia hours before Riyadh announced a new multinational maritime defence coalition, with 14 countries including Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt signing a founding statement to protect shipping through the Bab al-Mandeb, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Saudi Arabia will host the coalition's permanent headquarters and joint command and said other states may join after national procedures. The warning follows Houthi actions including a declared naval blockade on 20 July, a claimed attack on a Saudi tanker, Saudi air strikes on Hodeidah and an ongoing investigation of a drone fire at an Egyptian LNG terminal.

Saudi-led coalition formed to protect Red Sea shipping routes