Houthis Seize Key Shipping Route as Saudi Pipeline Shut Down
Houthi rebels in Yemen have made significant gains in their push to control the Red Sea coastline, capturing key ports and strategic locations. The Houthis' rapid advance has tightened their grip on one of the world's most important shipping routes, which links Europe and Asia.
The capture of Perim island, located in the middle of the Bab el Mandeb Strait, is a crucial development for the Houthi forces. This strait is a vital waterway for oil exports, with Saudi Arabia relying on it given the disruption to the Strait of Hormuz since the U.S. and Israel waged war on Iran in February.
Meanwhile, strikes inside Saudi Arabia have forced the shutdown of a critical oil pipeline, according to the country's energy ministry. The East-West pipeline was attacked by drones launched from Iraq, but Saudi Arabia has vowed not to retaliate for now following a request from Iraq's prime minister.