SAUDI ARABIA: Saudi Arabia joined a U.S.-led coalition to secure sea lines vital to oil shipping in the Middle East in the aftermath of a devastating attack on Aramco’s oil facilities.

The International Maritime Security Construct’s area of operation covers the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical waterway for oil supplies, the Strait of Bab al-Mandab, the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf. The move aims to support efforts to thwart threats to trade as well as guarantee energy security, the state-run Saudi Press Agency reported.

A showdown between Iran and the Trump administration after the U.S. pulled out of the 2015 nuclear agreement with the Islamic Republic has threatened shipping in the region. Attacks on tankers and drones prompted the U.S. to call for a coalition of allies to protect ships passing through the area.

About 40% of the world’s seaborne oil travels through the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. and U.K. have stepped up their military presence in the region amid calls to ensure the waterway remains open.

The International Maritime Security Construct task force is headquartered in Bahrain, and its members include the U.S., the U.K., Australia as well as the host country.

(Agencies)