Houthi Attacks Send Oil Prices Soaring Amid Saudi Pipeline Crisis

Saudi Arabia's oil production is under threat due to Houthi attacks on its pipelines. The nearly 800-mile east-west pipeline, which carries up to seven million barrels of oil per day, may be out of service for three to five weeks after the attack.

The Houthis' alternative route through the Red Sea is also at risk, as they have captured a strategic island and a key port inside the Bab-al-Mandab Strait. This gives them leverage over one of the world's most important chokepoints and a major route for Saudi oil exports.

Analyst Mick Mulroy noted that the Houthis are proxies of Iran, which wants to cause global disruptions. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has met with CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper to request military assistance against the Houthis, but President Trump has so far declined to direct US strikes.

The crisis is already affecting world energy markets, with oil prices rising above $100 per barrel. The US is providing intelligence and targeting assistance to the Saudis, while Israel claims it has scored another major victory against Hezbollah in Lebanon by destroying one of its strongholds.