Iraq probes drone strikes on Saudi Arabia, shuts three crossings to Iran

Saudi Arabia has temporarily shut down its critical East-West oil pipeline after a drone attack on Friday, September 11, 2026. The attack, which caused damage and injuries, is understood to have originated from Iraq's Maysan province. Baghdad has launched an investigation and closed its border with Iran as a precautionary measure, condemning the use of its territory for such strikes. No group has claimed responsibility, but an analyst suggests Iran-backed groups may be involved to pressure Saudi Arabia regarding its involvement in Yemen. Saudi Arabia has stated it will not retaliate at this stage, at the request of the Iraqi Prime Minister, but reserves the right to protect its interests. This closure further disrupts Saudi oil exports, which are already impacted by the Strait of Hormuz closure.

Nearly 50,000 Yemeni civilians have fled their homes due to a rapid advance by Houthi forces along the Red Sea coast in western Yemen. This escalation threatens to turn the ongoing conflict into a prolonged war, with Houthi militants seizing towns and strategic areas, including the port city of Mocha. The fighting has resulted in casualties and significant displacement, with families trapped near frontlines facing dwindling food supplies. The conflict's proximity to the Bab al-Mandab strait, a vital global shipping route, raises concerns about its impact on international trade and energy prices. Aid workers are struggling to provide essential services to the displaced, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation and the potential for further escalation.

Yemeni government forces report launching air strikes against Houthi fighters along the Red Sea coast, specifically near the port city of Mocha. These strikes targeted Houthi members and vehicles, with government forces describing the confrontation as a "battle for survival." The escalation follows the Houthis' full control of the strategic shoreline, including the city of Mocha and the island of Mayun, which secures the vital Bab al-Mandeb strait. The United Nations has reported nearly 46,000 displaced people due to the recent fighting, and the fall of Mocha has complicated aid delivery. Additionally, Saudi Arabia temporarily closed its East-West oil pipeline after a drone attack.

Iraq is investigating drone attacks on Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline that were launched from its territory. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has dismissed a commander and ordered an investigation into the operations command in Maysan province, where drone launchers were discovered. In response, Iraq has temporarily closed three border crossings with Iran: Shalamcheh, al-Shib, and Mandali, citing concerns that perpetrators might flee to Iran. Iraq's Prime Minister's office confirmed the attack originated from Maysan province. Iraq has also agreed to Iran's request for a joint investigation into the discovery of drone launch platforms near the border. The drone attack occurred on Thursday, prompting Saudi Arabia to temporarily suspend the oil pipeline route.

Saudi authorities reported that drones launched from Iraq caused a temporary shutdown of the crucial East-West oil pipeline on Friday. This pipeline is vital for Saudi oil exports, particularly since the Strait of Hormuz has been affected by the ongoing Middle East war. The attacks, which resulted in some injuries and damage, originated from Iraq's Maysan province, leading to the dismissal of its commander. The Iraqi prime minister's office confirmed the attack's origin and condemned it. Saudi Arabia stated it would not retaliate at this stage, supporting Iraq's efforts to prevent such attacks. The incident occurred as Houthi forces expanded their control in the Bab al-Mandab strait, a key shipping route.

Saudi Arabia has shut down a key oil pipeline following a drone attack launched from Iraq. The attack originated from the Maysan governorate, a region bordering Iran. In response, Iraq has removed its operations commander in Maysan and initiated investigations into the incident. Saudi Arabia stated it reserves the right to take necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and security. The Gulf Co-operation Council condemned the attack as a dangerous escalation and a violation of international law. The article also notes recent Houthi advances in Yemen, with the group claiming control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, though stating maritime navigation is safe except for Saudi vessels.

Iranian officials and state media are celebrating the Houthi group's recent capture of Yemen's Red Sea coast, including the vital Bab al-Mandeb strait. This development is seen by some in Iran as increasing Tehran's leverage against the United States. Senior Iranian officials, including the IRGC spokesman and the Iranian parliament speaker, have praised the Houthi advances as a "divine triumph" and a result of "steadfastness." The Houthis, who have been fighting the Yemeni government since 2014, have stated that maritime navigation remains safe except for Saudi vessels. While the Houthis now control territory adjacent to the Bab al-Mandeb strait, Iranian officials have not indicated any plans to close the waterway.

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 Houthi forces have rapidly advanced to take control of Yemen's entire Red Sea coast, including key towns and islands in the Bab al-Mandeb strait. This strategic takeover, reported by government sources and witnesses, strengthens Houthi control over this vital shipping route, which serves as an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. Houthi fighters reportedly seized the coastal town of Mocha and pushed onto Mayyun Island, located at the heart of the strait, after government forces withdrew. The advance places the Houthis in control of an area crucial for global energy shipments. While Houthi forces reportedly completed their takeover of the Bab al-Mandeb area, there has been no official confirmation from the Houthi government.

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.

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.

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.