Houthis Widen Conflict, Targeting Saudi Oil Exports and Infrastructure

The conflict in the Middle East has taken a new turn as Yemen's Houthi rebels launched attacks on Saudi tankers and oil infrastructure, threatening to disrupt global energy supplies. The Houthis have been quiet for much of the Iran war but have now escalated their campaign against Saudi Arabia, with attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.

The Red Sea route has become increasingly important as shippers have avoided the Strait of Hormuz due to Iranian blockades. Around 70 percent of Saudi Arabia's oil exports are now routed through this pipeline, which connects the oil fields on the Persian Gulf to the port of Yanbu on its Red Sea coast.

The Houthis' demands from the Saudis include billions in reparations payments and full control of their coastline and airspace. The US has threatened retaliation but is unlikely to be able to expand the war to a new front due to concerns over munitions stockpiles.