Houthi Threat Looms Over Saudi Energy Exports

Saudi Arabia is facing a crisis that goes beyond recent Houthi attacks on its southern oil facilities. The kingdom is dealing with pressure on energy exports at the Strait of Hormuz to the east and the Red Sea route to the west.

The Houthis launched missiles and drones at several sites in southern Saudi Arabia, including energy facilities in Jazan, Abha, and Najran. These attacks caused fires and temporarily shut down some operations.

Jazan is home to a refinery that can process around 400,000 barrels of crude per day. When oil export gates are closed, Saudi Arabia looks for alternative routes.

The kingdom has invested in alternatives to Hormuz. The East-West pipeline carries crude from eastern oil fields across the country to Yanbu on the Red Sea. This allows Riyadh to send oil to international markets without passing through Hormuz.

However, the Houthis have also targeted the Red Sea route. Their attacks bring the conflict closer to Saudi infrastructure that connects the kingdom to its western coast.