The initiative was launched to form a coalition after attacks on oil tankers in the region. Currently, the US, the UK, Bahrain and Australia are the only member countries of the task force. 

The International Maritime Security Construct is the US-led coalition. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will join the task force aimed at securing oil shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb.  Nearly 40 percent of the world’s oil shipping travel through the Strait of Hormuz,. The Bab el-Mandeb is another strait that links the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden off. 

An official told a state-run media, “The kingdom’s accession to this international alliance comes in support of regional and international efforts to deter and counter threats to maritime navigation and global trade in order to ensure global energy security and the continued flow of energy supplies to the global economy and contribute to maintaining international peace and security.” 

The US is ramping up efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz. It has sent Arleigh Burke to strategically block positions in the Strait of Hormuz. In addition, they will monitor the ship traffic and keep an eye out for any unusual movement, such as drones and other aircraft. 

The International Maritime Security Construct task force is headquartered in Bahrain. World’s biggest oil exporter Saudi Aramco’s two facilities in the Kingdom were attacked. As a result, half of its crude output was affected. 

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