Saudi Arabia to the world: 'We must launch joint international action'

Saudi Arabia called today for joint international action to protect maritime passages and ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, amid escalation with the Houthis. The kingdom, which signed defense agreements in the past year, finds itself alone facing the threat.

Saudi Arabia called today (Sunday) for joint international action to protect maritime passages and ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb. The call comes after many weeks of escalation with the Houthi terrorist organization, which has claimed the lives of hundreds of Yemeni civilians and several Saudis. Saudi Arabia, which signed several defense agreements in the past year, found itself alone in the campaign against the terrorist organization. Only two months ago, the kingdom joined an international maritime alliance including 39 countries, but is still awaiting military help against the threat from the south. The fear of renewed war between Israel, the US and Iran also troubles the Saudi government.