Saudi Arabia says East-West pipeline hit by drones launched from Iraq

Saudi Arabia has closed its East-West oil pipeline, a vital alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, following multiple attacks on Thursday. The Ministry of Energy stated the closure was a precautionary measure, with emergency teams working to secure the pipeline and assess its safety after the attacks resulted in several injuries. This action comes amid intensified fighting in the Middle East, with Yemen-based Houthis claiming responsibility for targeting Saudi energy facilities. The East-West pipeline is a critical route for Saudi oil exports, capable of transporting 7 million barrels per day, and had reached full capacity when tanker traffic was previously disrupted in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Iran-backed Houthis have claimed a significant advance in Yemen, reportedly seizing the strategic island of Perim, which lies on a major Red Sea shipping route. This escalation of conflict, which began a week ago with a Houthi offensive in the south-west, has led to hundreds of deaths and thousands displaced. The Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait are crucial for Saudi Arabia's oil shipments to Asia, and the intensified fighting has contributed to rising oil prices. In response to the Houthi actions, a Saudi-led coalition has conducted air strikes in western Yemen, while the Houthis have launched missiles and drones at Saudi targets. The International Organization for Migration reports that at least 46,000 people have been displaced by the conflict, with families fleeing multiple times.

Iran-aligned Houthi forces have captured the strategic island of Perim (Mayun) in Yemen's Bab al-Mandab strait, a vital global shipping route. This advance follows the loss of the port city of Mocha by forces allied with the UN-backed Yemeni government. The Bab al-Mandab strait connects Asia and Europe via the Red Sea and Suez Canal, and Saudi Arabia relies on it for oil exports. The Houthi control, alongside potential Iranian influence in the Strait of Hormuz, could strengthen anti-western forces' hold on global energy shipments. Iran has publicly supported the Houthi advances. The escalating conflict has caused significant displacement, with over 46,000 people fleeing in the past week.

Saudi Arabia reported that its East-West oil pipeline was struck by drones originating from Iraq, causing injuries and material damage in the Riyadh and Medina regions. In response, Saudi Arabia has temporarily halted operations of the pipeline as a precautionary measure. The Kingdom has stated it will not retaliate at this time, following a request from Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, who has ordered an investigation into those responsible for the attack. Iraq has condemned the drone strike, affirming its rejection of any aggression that threatens Saudi security and stability. Saudi Arabia reserves the right to take necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and critical facilities.

Saudi Arabia is urging the United States to take direct military action against Iran-backed Houthis following their seizure of key positions along Yemen's Bab al-Mandab Strait. This strategic waterway is a critical global shipping choke point. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly discussed the escalating situation with President Donald Trump, who stated Washington would provide intelligence and targeting support but not direct military action for now. U.S. Central Command commander Adm. Brad Cooper traveled to Saudi Arabia for coordination talks. Experts suggest Iran is leveraging the Houthi advance to regain maritime leverage as pressure on the Strait of Hormuz intensifies. The Houthis' recent gains, including the port of Mocha and the island of Mayyun, follow years of rebuilding military strength since a 2022 truce.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reports that over 46,000 people have been displaced in Yemen due to escalating fighting between Houthi rebels and government forces. This figure is reportedly rising hourly. The IOM is calling for safe humanitarian access and protection for civilians and aid workers. Many families are fleeing for the second or third time, often with few possessions, after the Houthi rebels captured the strategically important Red Sea port city of Mocha. The UN also expressed concern over the Houthis seizing a key humanitarian compound in Mocha, emphasizing the need to protect humanitarian personnel and facilities. The conflict has intensified with reports of Houthis now controlling Yemen's entire Red Sea coast.

Yemen's Houthi movement has reportedly seized the strategic Red Sea port city of Mokha from Saudi-backed pro-government forces. This capture brings the Iran-backed group closer to controlling the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital shipping route. The offensive in the south-western coastal region, which began a week ago, has resulted in hundreds of deaths and thousands displaced. Simultaneously, the Houthis have escalated attacks on neighboring Saudi Arabia, launching drones and missiles that injured civilians and damaged oil facilities, leading to a surge in global oil prices. The Houthis stated these actions were retaliation for Saudi air strikes on their territory, including a prison attack that killed civilians. The conflict, ongoing for over a decade, has seen a recent unraveling of an informal ceasefire, with the Houthis imposing a "maritime embargo" and attacking Saudi infrastructure.

Houthi forces have captured the Yemeni port city of Mocha following an offensive that involved pressure from three axes and the withdrawal of National Resistance Forces. This seizure, occurring on Thursday, threatens global trade routes by controlling access near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a critical passage for energy and commodities. The conflict has also led to the displacement of thousands of civilians and severed vital supply lines for anti-Houthi forces. The fall of Mocha, which was the last harbor fully controlled by the internationally recognized government, is considered a significant turning point in the war, with international bodies expressing alarm.

Yemeni Houthi rebels have seized the key port of Mocha, intensifying fighting along the Red Sea coast. This move is seen as an attempt to gain control of the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a vital shipping chokepoint, potentially bringing Iran and its proxies closer to controlling two major maritime routes. The Houthis aim to pressure Saudi Arabia and the US into lifting the blockade on Iranian oil tankers. This escalation, the most serious since a 2022 ceasefire, has resulted in significant casualties and the opening of new fronts. Saudi Arabia has responded with airstrikes, while the Yemeni government forces have admitted to strategic retreats. Observers believe a reduction in hostilities is unlikely as both sides escalate their efforts.

Iran-backed Houthi forces have seized Yemen's port city of Mocha and are advancing towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical global shipping chokepoint. This move, occurring as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is already constrained, threatens another vital trade route connecting the Indian Ocean to the Red Sea and Suez Canal. The Houthis' advance, reportedly aided by Iranian arms and guidance, puts pressure on shipping lanes on both sides of the Arabian Peninsula, potentially increasing oil and goods prices. The United States is focused on ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and is in dialogue with regional partners. The seizure of Mocha and surrounding areas, coupled with the withdrawal of Saudi-backed forces, has also provided the Houthis with captured military materiel.

Yemeni government forces and Iran-aligned Houthis are engaged in fierce battles across multiple fronts in northern, western, and central Yemen, with both sides seeking to expand their territorial control. Recent fighting has resulted in significant casualties. The Houthis are intensifying efforts to gain a foothold on the western coast, particularly near the strategic al-Makha port, aiming to influence Red Sea shipping lanes. Meanwhile, government forces are battling to expand in Taiz and reinforce their control over the oil-producing Marib region. Fighting also continues in al-Jawf and Dhalea, areas crucial for connecting Houthi-controlled north to the south. Experts suggest that gains or losses on these fronts could have significant strategic consequences for both the government and the Houthis.

Fighting has intensified in Yemen, with the internationally recognized government accusing Houthi rebels of killing three children in an artillery attack in Marib. Simultaneously, the Houthis claim Saudi forces conducted 54 air raids over 12 hours, prompting air raid alerts in several Saudi provinces. These renewed hostilities, which have killed or wounded over 1,000 people since August 24, occur amidst rising regional tensions. The Houthis also reported that an attack on a prison in al-Jawf killed at least 32 people. Yemen has been in conflict since 2014, escalating after a Saudi-led intervention in 2015.