Saudi Arabia has suspended its East-West pipeline following a drone attack, while Houthi rebels have captured key territory along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Key facts
- •The East-West pipeline was built in the 1980s and serves as a vital alternative for Saudi oil exports.
- •Saudi Arabia had increased Red Sea oil exports to over 5 million barrels per day by early June.
- •Yemeni government forces reported that requested Saudi air support for the defense of Mocha never arrived.
- •The Iraqi government dismissed a military commander following the discovery that drones were launched from Maysan province.
- •The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a primary global shipping route linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
Saudi Arabia shut down its major East-West pipeline on Friday following a drone attack, describing the move as a precautionary measure. Simultaneously, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels captured the port city of Mocha and the strategic island of Perim, also known as Mayun, at the southern entrance to the Red Sea. These developments mark a significant expansion of the conflict, threatening one of the world's most critical maritime shipping lanes.
Houthi Advance in Yemen
The Houthi offensive resulted in the rapid fall of Mocha after government-aligned forces failed to receive promised Saudi air support. Following the capture of the port, rebel forces moved quickly across the flat desert terrain to seize Perim Island, which sits directly within the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Analysts suggest this positioning could allow the Houthis to deploy explosive uncrewed vessels against international shipping traffic.
Pipeline Attack and Iraqi Investigation
The Saudi Ministry of Energy suspended the East-West pipeline one day after it was struck by drones. The Saudi Foreign Ministry attributed the attack to drones launched from Iraq, though the kingdom stated it would refrain from immediate retaliation to allow the Iraqi government to address the breach. In response, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered an investigation and dismissed the commander of the Maysan province operations command after determining the attack originated from that region.
Timeline
- JulySaudi Arabia and the U.S. bombed Iranian-backed militias in Iraq following drone attacks on oil facilities.
- Friday (Sep 12)Saudi Arabia shut down the East-West pipeline and Houthis captured Perim Island.
- SaturdayThe Iraqi government announced the dismissal of a military commander following an investigation into the drone launch site.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Times of India, Channel NewsAsia.
