Saudi Pipeline Shut Down Amid Houthi Advance in Red Sea

Saudi Arabia has temporarily shut down its East-West pipeline after a drone attack from Iraq, where Iranian-backed militias operate.

The 1,200-kilometre pipeline carries around 4 million to 5 million barrels of oil per day, accounting for 4% to 5% of global supply.

The attack on the pipeline comes as Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen tightened their grip on the Red Sea coastline, seizing a strategic island at the mouth of the waterway.

Saudi Arabia has asked the US for military help with the Houthis, but Washington has said it will only provide intelligence sharing and targeting assistance.