Abu Dhabi, Sep 19 (IANS): The United Arab Emirates on Thursday announced that it has joined the International Maritime Security Construct, an international alliance that aims to protect the safety of maritime navigation and international trade.

Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi, Director of the International Security Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said that the UAE's accession to the alliance comes in support of regional and international efforts to deter threats to maritime navigation and global trade, and in order to secure the flow of energy supplies to the global economy and contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security, WAM news agency reported.

The alliance protects the interests of its members and their merchant ships when passing through maritime corridors, Al Zaabi added.

Its coalition's operation area covers the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most critical waterway for oil supplies; Bab Al Mandab; the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Gulf.

The US formed the coalition after attacks on oil tankers that American officials blame on Iran, as well as Iran's seizure of tankers in the region. Iran denies being behind the tanker explosions, reports Gulf News.

It also comes in the aftermath of the September 14 attacks on two oil fields in Saudi Arabia.