Saudi Arabia and Britain announced a new partnership to strengthen Yemen’s coastguard in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden where Houthi rebels have escalated attack on commercial shipping.

The agreement unveiled at a press conference in Riyadh, will provide training and equipment to the coastguard of Yemen’s internationally recognised government aimed at countering threats ranging from piracy and human trafficking to smuggling.

According to British embassy, the initiative is backed by funding worth several million dollars from more than 35 countries, including the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, Gulf states and the European Union (EU).

Saudi Arabia alone pledge $4 million, its ambassador to Yemen, said Mohammad Al Jaber.

The Iran-aligned Houthis, who control large parts of Yemen have launched missiles and drones against Israel and Red Sea shipping during the Gaza conflict framing their attack as acts of solidarity with Palestinians.

Japan’s ambassador to Yemen, Yoichi Nakashima, underlined the importance of Yemen’s government asserting control over its coastline, though he cautioned that such efforts would not necessarily curb Houthi strikes. “We can see this as first step, to be followed by others”, he told reporters.