Saudi Arabia temporarily shut down a major oil pipeline on Friday, September 11, following a drone attack, while Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels took control of a strategic island near the southern entrance of the Red Sea, officials said.
The developments opened another potential front in the conflict involving Iran and heightened concerns over global energy supplies and shipping routes.
Saudi authorities confirmed the closure of the East-West pipeline, describing it as a precautionary step following the previous day’s drone assault.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry said several drones involved in the attack were launched from Iraq. In a statement carried by the state-run Saudi Press Agency, Riyadh said it would not immediately retaliate in order to give Baghdad “an opportunity to take the necessary measures.” Iraq condemned the attack and ordered an investigation.
The pipeline, which was built in the 1980s, has become increasingly important to Saudi Arabia’s ability to move crude to Red Sea ports, particularly after disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz during the Iran conflict.
By early June, Saudi oil exports through its Red Sea terminal had risen to more than 5 million barrels per day, more than double previous levels, according to International Energy Agency data.
Meanwhile, the Houthis reportedly captured Mayun, a small volcanic island located within the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key maritime passage connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
The takeover was confirmed by a senior military official from Yemen’s internationally recognized government and a Houthi official. Both spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which is about 28 kilometers (17 miles) wide, is an important route for international shipping. Houthi efforts to restrict traffic through the waterway have made Saudi Arabia’s strategy of using the Red Sea to bypass the Strait of Hormuz more difficult.
In a statement Friday, Houthi forces claimed territorial gains along the coastline without specifically mentioning Mayun, Mokha, or the Bab el-Mandeb. They warned of “escalation for escalation” in their confrontation with Saudi Arabia and said “maritime navigation is safe for all companies except for Saudi vessels.”
The latest developments have added to uncertainty in global oil markets, with analysts warning that the Houthis remain difficult to predict. Crude prices again moved above $100 per barrel this week, potentially giving Iran greater leverage in future negotiations.
Earlier in July, Saudi Arabia and the United States launched airstrikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq after blaming them for drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities that the Houthis had claimed.
Regional officials told The Associated Press that Houthi forces had helped Iraqi militias plan and execute the attacks.