Houthis Seize Yemen’s Red Sea Coast As Saudi Pipeline Shut Down.
The conflict surrounding Iran, Yemen and the wider Middle East has escalated further after Iran-backed Houthi forces seized control of Yemen’s entire Red Sea coastline, including areas around the strategically important Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
The rapid Houthi advance has strengthened the group’s position along one of the world’s most important shipping routes. The Houthis recently captured the strategic port city of Mocha before advancing towards other coastal areas and nearby islands.
The developments have increased concerns over international shipping because Bab al-Mandeb connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and provides a vital route between the Suez Canal and global markets. Around 12 percent of global trade passes through the waterway each day, according to Al Jazeera.
At the same time, Saudi Arabia has suspended its East-West oil pipeline as a precaution after it was targeted by drones launched from Iraq. Riyadh has so far held back from immediate retaliation, giving Iraqi authorities an opportunity to investigate the attack and prevent further strikes.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has ordered an investigation after confirming that the drone attack originated in Iraq. He also dismissed a regional military commander following the incident. Iraq subsequently ordered the closure of the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran as a precautionary measure.
The Saudi pipeline is particularly important because it provides an alternative route for transporting oil to the Red Sea without relying on the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping has already been severely disrupted during the wider US-Israel war on Iran.
The latest developments are adding further pressure to global energy markets. Oil prices have already risen sharply, while concerns over the security of both Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb are increasing the risks facing international shipping and energy supplies.
Meanwhile, Iran is expected to meet representatives from Gulf states in Oman on Monday to discuss maritime security and possible arrangements for reopening safe commercial shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. The talks could become an important diplomatic effort as regional tensions continue to spread.
The latest Houthi advances and the disruption to Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure underline how the wider conflict is increasingly affecting regional security, global trade and energy supplies far beyond the immediate battlefields.
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