‌🔻Saudi Arabia said Thursday that it has formed a “naval defense coalition” to ensure the security of shipping in the waters around the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait.

The move came after Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen announced last week that they would impose a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter.

The Houthis also claimed that they carried out attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea and on the country’s oil infrastructure.

This narrow sea route has become a vital pathway for moving large volumes of Saudi crude oil to international markets after energy exports from the Persian Gulf were largely disrupted by the U.S.-Iran standoff in the Strait of Hormuz.

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📷AFP via Getty