Houthis seize Red Sea island as drone attacks hit Saudi oil pipeline
Houthis seized a key shipping island. Drones hit Saudi oil pipeline. This tightens Iran's grip on two major oil routes.
Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis took control of Perim island, a critical global shipping corridor in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Drones struck Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline, forcing it to shut down as a precaution.
The Houthi seizure and drone strikes threaten supply through a second major route. The Strait of Hormuz is already effectively closed by the widening Middle East war.
If Iran gains control of both passages, it gains a strategic advantage over the US. Oil prices could rise sharply higher.
Since the conflict began in late February, at least 22 sailors have been killed in the region. Saudi Arabia asked Washington for military help.
Saudi Arabia reserved the right to hit back, though Iraq's government asked it not to.
- 1200 kilometres
- Pipeline length
- Perim in Bab el-Mandeb Strait
- Island seized
Why it mattersIran-backed forces could control two oil chokepoints. This could cut global fuel supplies and raise gas prices worldwide.
AustraliaHigher global oil prices would increase fuel costs and pressure inflation in Australia.
Corroborated bysmh.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 12 d ago
