# Thirteen countries join coalition to secure Bab el-Mandeb Strait

https://mins.news/en/item/21686

- TASS, 2026-08-13 23:12 UTC
- World
- Original: https://tass.com/world/2172623

> Thirteen countries have formally joined the Saudi-led Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition to protect security in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry says. A Saudi representative will command the coalition, with Pakistan providing the deputy commander for its first cycle. Joint command, maritime operations and intelligence centers are to be established.

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