Without answers to those questions, a headline can easily create a misleading impression.
The Middle East adds another layer of uncertainty
Another version of the “13 countries” story concerns maritime security in the Middle East.
The Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab Al-Mandab Strait are strategically important waterways. They connect major international shipping routes and are critical to trade between Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
When vessels come under attack or face serious threats, governments have strong incentives to cooperate.
A multinational maritime security arrangement can help protect commercial ships, monitor threats, share intelligence and coordinate responses.
One report describing the viral claim says Pakistan joined a Saudi-led multinational maritime defense alliance involving a larger group of regional countries. The stated focus is protecting shipping routes around the Bab Al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
