Houthis Capture Strategic Island, Shut Down Saudi Oil Pipeline

The Houthi forces have captured the strategic island of Perim in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, tightening their grip on a vital global shipping route. This move comes as Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline was temporarily shut down due to a drone attack from Iraq.

The pipeline, which has been shipping 4-5 million barrels per day, amounts to 4-5% of global supply. The attack resulted in some injuries and damage that is being assessed.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called US President Donald Trump at least twice to request military help in fighting the Houthis, but Washington has so far declined direct involvement, opting for intelligence sharing and targeting instead.