RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Rear Adm. Abdullah bin Salem Alshehri has been appointed the commander of Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition for key regional waterways, the Kingdom’s Defense Ministry said in a statement on Thursday. The appointment is a part of the continued implementation of the foundational arrangements for the coalition, which was created on July 30, 2026, and will enhance its operational readiness, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense announced on Thursday the appointment of Major General Abdullah al-Shehri as commander of the Multinational Maritime

Coalition announced on July 30 aims to protect Red Sea shipping from attacks