On July 20 the Saudi-led multinational coalition command said it has begun
measures to protect coalition vessels transiting the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and
will, under international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,
take decisive action against threats to shipping. Spokesman Turki al-Maliki said
the command is undertaking all necessary military measures to ensure coalition
ship safety in the strait and will firmly respond to any Houthi threats to
merchant vessels, describing such acts as illegal maritime behaviour.