Houthi Attacks on Saudi Oil Pipelines Send Prices Soaring

A series of attacks by Houthi forces on Saudi oil pipelines has sent oil prices soaring. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have captured a strategic island inside the Bab-al-Mandab Strait and a key port on the Red Sea, giving them leverage over one of the world's most important chokepoints and a key route to Saudi Arabian oil.

The attacks knocked out much of the kingdom's critical east-west oil pipeline, which carries up to seven million barrels of oil per day. Officials say the pipeline will be out of service for three to five weeks.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper to ask for military assistance against the Houthis. The US has provided intelligence and targeting assistance, but President Trump has declined to direct US strikes.