Saudi Oil Pipeline Damaged in Houthi Attack, Disrupting Crude Exports

A crucial Saudi oil pipeline has been severely damaged in an attack by Houthi militants, which is expected to remain out of service for several weeks. According to regional officials briefed on the matter, repairs to the East-West Pipeline could take three to five weeks. The pipeline can transport up to 7 million barrels of oil a day and carries crude from Saudi Arabia's oil-producing east across the kingdom to Red Sea export facilities in the west.

The pipeline was shut down last Thursday after an attack blamed by Saudi Arabia on drones launched by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. While it may operate partially during repairs, the damage threatens a route capable of carrying 7 million barrels of Saudi crude a day.

The Houthis have also expanded their control over strategic islands nearby, capturing Greater Hanish and Lesser Hanish, two islands about 160km north of the Bab Al Mandab Strait. This has strengthened their position along shipping routes linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.