Houthi Rebels Set Saudi Oil Pipeline Ablaze, Tighten Grip on Vital Shipping Corridor
The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have tightened their grip on the vital shipping corridor in the Red Sea, capturing a key island and threatening Saudi oil exports.
A series of drone strikes set fire to the East-West pipeline in Saudi Arabia, which can carry up to 7 million barrels of crude oil per day. The pipeline was shut down as a precautionary measure due to the attacks, according to the country's energy ministry.
The Houthi rebels have been bombarding Saudi shipping on the Red Sea since declaring a blockade in July, and have expressed their support for Palestinians during the war in Gaza. Shipping in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait has plummeted by 60% since the attacks began in 2023.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly called President Trump to urge him to launch US strikes against the Houthis, but was rebuffed by the president. The Iranian regime has also called for an end to Saudi Arabia's blockade of Houthi-controlled areas.