Saudi-Houthi Clashes Escalate, Global Oil Supplies at Risk

The conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi group has escalated, displacing over 100,000 Yemenis. The fighting has also raised concerns about global oil supplies as the main alternative Red Sea route for Gulf exports is jeopardized. US-Iran tensions have further disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Houthis have seized Yemen's entire Red Sea coast in a lightning advance, with Saudi Arabia conducting hundreds of air strikes in recent days. The Houthi leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, has demanded that Saudi Arabia cease its blockade and occupation of Yemen and stop its aggression against the group.

The displacement of civilians is severe, with 100,000 Yemenis forced to flee their homes due to the fighting. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has verified 55 civilian casualties in 19 incidents as of Wednesday, with women and children accounting for 84% of the casualties.

The conflict has also had an impact on global oil supplies, with energy supply concerns growing as a result of the maritime blockades and escalating tension due to US and Israeli attacks near the Strait of Hormuz. Iraq has revived overland oil export routes through Syria for the first time in 15 years.