Saudi Crown Prince Seeks Egypt's Backing Amid Houthi Attacks on Oil Routes
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has sought Egypt's backing in confronting Houthi attacks on Red Sea oil routes, which have driven a surge in global oil prices.
The kingdom faces increased threats from Yemen's Houthi rebels, who have rapidly captured territory and strengthened their ability to choke off Saudi oil exports through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. A recent attack damaged Saudi Arabia's biggest pipeline, reducing output by several million barrels per day.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi in Cairo, where they reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring freedom and security of maritime navigation in the Red Sea. Egypt has expressed its support for Saudi Arabia but is unlikely to offer military aid.