Saudi Arabia Under Siege as Houthi Rebels Block Strategic Shipping Route
Saudi Arabia is facing growing threats from Iran and its allies in the region. The Houthis have made significant gains, seizing control of the port city of Mokha and a Red Sea island from Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces. This has enhanced the rebels' ability to block Saudi shipments through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The recent attacks by Houthi rebels have already caused a plunge in Saudi oil exports to Asia, from around 3.4 million barrels per day in June to just 128,000 in August, though they had recovered somewhat this month to 700,000, according to figures compiled by Kpler.
Michael Ratney, a former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia, said the latest developments are 'incredibly frustrating' for the kingdom. He noted that despite their antipathy for the Iranians, this is a war they had never asked for and had great trepidation about.