Following attacks on its ships, Saudi Arabia has announced a military alliance to protect shipping in the Red Sea and around the vital Bab al-Mandab Strait. The militia had already launched a series of attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea starting in 2023. This will be achieved through joint military operations, planning and exercises, and the exchange of intelligence. Due to the de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Saudi Arabia currently exports some of its oil to the Red Sea via a pipeline. Bulgaria has said no offensive weapons would be deployed and that the move did not make the country a party to military operations.