Iran-Backed Militia Attacks Pipeline as Houthi Rebels Expand Control Over Red Sea

Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline was temporarily shut down on Thursday after drone attacks from an Iranian-backed militia group in Iraq, according to the Saudi Energy Ministry.

The pipeline, which carries millions of barrels of oil per day, had been previously diverted to the Yanbu port on the Red Sea as a precaution against hostilities near the Persian Gulf that closed the Strait of Hormuz.

This move gives Tehran significant control over two crucial passageways for the flow of oil: the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Strait of Hormuz.

The Houthi rebels in Yemen have also increased their control over the Red Sea coast, including the port of Mokha and key islands such as Perim (Mayun) and Zuqar.