Houthi Rebels Target Saudi Oil Facilities, Global Fuel Supplies Threatened
The Houthi rebels have launched a series of attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities and tankers, threatening to disrupt global fuel supplies. The Houthis are backed by Iran, which has long sought to expand its influence in the region. The conflict has pushed up global fuel prices and forced thousands of Yemenis to flee their homes.
The Houthi rebels have captured key strategic locations, including the Red Sea port city of Mokha and several islands near the Bab el-Mandeb strait. They are also just 32 kilometers from Djibouti, a small African nation hosting U.S. military bases.
Saudi Arabia has struggled to contain or deter the Houthi rebels, and may be tempted to seek a diplomatic solution. This could require concessions to Iran, which is the only country with leverage over the Houthis.