Saudi Arabia Struggles with Worst Security Crisis as Iran-Backed Rebels Block Oil Exports
Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil producer, is facing its worst security crisis yet. The country has been plagued by Iran and its proxy forces, including Yemen's Houthi rebels.
The crisis escalated in February when the U.S.-Israel attack on Iran began, leading to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This caused a dilemma for the Houthi rebels, who resumed their offensive in July by declaring a blockade on Saudi ships.
In August, the Houthi rebels took control of the port city of Mokawa near the Strait of Babel Mandev at the entrance of the Red Sea, blocking Saudi oil exports. A drone attack was also carried out in the north, believed to have been carried out by pro-Iranian militias in Iraq.
The main pressurization field of the core infrastructure 'East-West Pipeline' located in Almesaba, southeast of Medina, Saudi Arabia, was damaged by bombing on the 11th. This caused operations to be completely or partially suspended for three to five weeks.
Saudi Arabia has been using the East-West pipeline as an alternative export route due to the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. However, the Houthi rebels strengthened maritime control in the southern Red Sea and blocked all safe export routes.
Sherwan Hindrin Ali, head of Middle East research at the Armed Conflict Location Data Project (ACLED), said, 'The military response will only prolong the conflict.' Diplomatic compromise is also difficult, as accepting the 'Saudi-led lifting of the blockade' would increase the enemy's power in the long run.