Saudi Arabia announces Maritime Defense Alliance

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia has announced the establishment of a Maritime Defense Alliance aimed at strengthening regional and international security, the kingdom said. The new framework is designed to coordinate maritime security operations, run joint training programs and set up intelligence-sharing mechanisms among member states. Riyad said the alliance will help protect shipping lanes across the Gulf and safeguard international trade routes. It will also cover coastal security and the protection of energy facilities, according to the Saudi announcement. Officials did not immediately name participating countries or outline membership criteria, saying further details would be released at a later stage. The initiative is positioned as a complement to existing security cooperation arrangements in the region, rather than a replacement for them.