Houthi Attacks Threaten Saudi Oil Exports and Global Fuel Prices

The Yemeni Houthi rebels have launched a series of attacks on Saudi oil facilities and tankers, threatening the country's oil exports and global fuel prices. The Houthis' biggest land grab in years has reignited Yemen's 12-year civil war, forcing over 125,000 people to flee their homes.

The conflict has killed over 150,000 people and pushed the country to the brink of famine. Saudi Arabia's most important ally, the US, appears to be sitting this one out.

The Houthis captured the Red Sea port city of Mokha before taking several islands near the Bab el-Mandeb strait, through which 12% of world trade passes in peacetime. They are also just 32 kilometers from Djibouti, a small African nation hosting US and other military bases.