Houthis Take Red Sea Coast As Saudi Pipeline Shuts Down After Drone Attack
YEMEN/SAUDI ARABIA – The Houthis Red Sea pipeline attack has triggered a major energy crisis as Yemeni rebels seized key sections of the Red Sea coastline and forced Saudi Arabia to shut down its main oil export pipeline following a massive drone strike early Saturday.
The dual escalation comes as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz remain at a boiling point, raising fears of a wider regional war.
Houthis Seize Strategic Red Sea Ports
Sources on the ground confirm that Houthi fighters took control of several coastal areas along Yemen’s Red Sea coast within the last 24 hours. The advance brings the Iran-backed group closer to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s most critical shipping chokepoints.
A Houthi military spokesperson claimed the operation was “in response to continued aggression” and vowed to target any vessels linked to Saudi Arabia or its allies.
The seizure effectively gives the Houthis direct access to monitor and potentially disrupt 12% of global trade that passes through the Red sea
Saudi Pipeline Shut After Drone Attack
Hours after the coastal advance, Saudi Aramco confirmed it had emergency-shut its East-West Pipeline, also known as Petroline, after multiple explosive drones struck pumping stations near the Red Sea port of Yanbu.
The pipeline carries 5 million barrels per day of crude from eastern oil fields to Red Sea export terminals. With the line offline, Saudi Arabia must now rely solely on Gulf exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
“All operations at Yanbu have been suspended for safety inspections,” an Aramco statement said. “Damage assessment is underway.”
No casualties were reported but fire crews battled blazes for 6 hours.
Oil Prices Spike Amid Double Crisis
Markets reacted immediately. Brent crude jumped $7 to $106.80 per barrel within hours of the news.
The Houthis Red Sea pipeline attack combined with the ongoing US-Iran tanker conflict in the Gulf has created a “pincer movement” on global oil supplies.
Analysts warn that if both the Red Sea route and Strait of Hormuz remain threatened, oil could test $130.
What This Means For Strait Of Hormuz
With the Saudi Red Sea pipeline shut, Riyadh now has no alternative but to push all exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
This makes the waterway even more critical and vulnerable. Just days ago, the US destroyed 5 Iranian tankers near Kharg Island, further escalating risks in the Gulf.
Shipping insurers have declared the entire Red Sea + Gulf region a “war risk zone” and raised premiums by 400%.
International Reaction
The UN Security Council has called an emergency meeting. The US Navy’s 5th Fleet said it is “monitoring the situation closely” in both the Red Sea and Gulf.
Saudi Arabia blamed Iran for supplying the drones used in the attack. Tehran denied involvement.
What’s Next
Energy markets will be watching 3 things: 1. When Aramco restarts Petroline 2. If Houthis attack ships in Bab el-Mandeb 3. Any retaliation by the Saudi-led coalition.Houthis Red Sea pipeline attack comes amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb. According to shipping sources, the Red Sea pipeline network is critical for global oil transport, carrying millions of barrels daily. Security analysts warn that any disruption from the Houthis Red Sea pipeline attack could spike oil prices and force vessels to reroute via Cape of Good Hope, increasing costs. The US and coalition forces are monitoring the situation closely as Iran war updates continue to unfold. Maritime authorities have issued warnings for vessels transiting near the Red Sea pipeline zone.
Also Read: Houthi rally in Sanaa over Mecca accusation – https://straitofharmuz.co/houthi-rally-sanaa-mecca-accusation-iran-war/
Related: Houthis Take Red Sea Coast As Saudi Pipeline Shuts Down
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