Houthis Target Saudi East-West Oil Pipeline Amid Tensions
The Yemeni rebel group Houthi has claimed responsibility for targeting Saudi Arabia's east-west oil transport pipeline, according to reports from Monday. The operation was in response to what the Houthis described as Saudi drone incursions into Yemeni airspace, said Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesperson.
Saudi Arabia has been re-routing its crude output through Yanbu, a Red Sea oil export hub, after Iranian attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz began following the US and Israel's war on Iran in February. The Houthis have also threatened to extend disruptions to global oil supplies by announcing a blockade of Saudi Arabia's oil industry in the Red Sea.
Saudi Arabia responded with airstrikes on what it said were Houthi military facilities in Yemen's Hodeidah port, stating that it would protect shipping. The conflict has pushed oil prices higher, with the Houthis' threats to disrupt global supplies contributing to increased tensions.