Saudi Arabia Shuts Down Pipeline As Houthi Rebels Advance In Red Sea

Saudi Arabia temporarily shut down its crucial East-West crude oil pipeline following aerial drone attacks that struck the conduit in the Riyadh and Medina regions on Thursday morning, according to the Saudi government. The strikes caused fires, minor damage, and several injuries. Satellite images showed black smoke rising from an area of the pipeline south of Medina, according to USA Today. Emergency teams were dispatched to secure the energy infrastructure and assess safety conditions.

Saudi Arabia Shuts Down East-West Pipeline After Drone Strikes

Both Baghdad and Riyadh stated that the drones originated in Iraq, where Iranian-backed militias operate. In response to the incident, the Iraqi government dismissed a military commander who had led operations in Maysan province, according to NTD. Iraq also ordered the closure of the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran as a precautionary measure, as reported by security sources.

Global Energy Pressures and Pipeline Capacity Limits

The 1,200-kilometre (745-mile) pipeline runs across the Arabian Peninsula and has a capacity of 7 million barrels per day. In recent months, the conduit has moved 4 million to 5 million barrels per day, accounting for 4% to 5% of global supply, according to ship-tracking companies and analysts cited by USA Today. Saudi Arabia has relied on the route to shift crude exports away from the Persian Gulf and bypass shipping bottlenecks in the Strait of Hormuz, where tanker traffic has slowed significantly amid ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran.

Oil Routes in Peril as Attacks Shut Saudi Pipeline and Houthis Threaten Waterway

The pipeline closure and wider Middle East fighting pushed global oil prices above $100 per barrel for the first time in months, with Brent settling nearly 9% higher at around $104.61 on Friday. Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency reported that Saudi crude supply dropped to its lowest level in more than three decades in August, falling to 6.238 million barrels per day.

Global Oil Crisis Deepens as Houthis Seize Red Sea Coast

Houthi Advance in Yemen Threatens Red Sea Waterway

The pipeline shutdown coincides with an escalation in Yemen, where Houthi rebel forces captured Perim Island (also known as Mayun) in the middle of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, as well as the historic port city of Mocha. The Houthis also advanced on the strategic coastal town of Dhubab following the apparent withdrawal of Saudi-backed, internationally recognized Yemeni government forces from Perim. Analysts note that threats to shipping along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait could further constrain oil supplies through the Red Sea trade route linking Europe and Asia.

Photo: outlookindia.com

Houthi strikes earlier in the week hit Saudi energy facilities and civilian assets, injuring more than 70 people according to the Saudi government. Satellite imagery from September 9 indicated significant damage at Saudi Aramco’s Jazan facilities, including at least four destroyed storage tanks. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that maritime navigation remains safe for all shipping companies except for Saudi vessels, which remain subject to a previously announced blockade.

Houthis Capture Strategic Island and Port on Vital Red Sea Oil Route

Diplomatic and Military Responses

The Saudi Foreign Ministry announced that Riyadh has decided to refrain from retaliating for now at the request of the Iraqi prime minister, giving Baghdad time to investigate and prevent further launches from its territory while maintaining the kingdom’s right to protect its sovereignty. Concurrently, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called U.S. President Donald Trump to request military assistance against the Houthis. Sources indicated that Washington declined direct military involvement for the time being but offered support with intelligence sharing and targeting.

Photo: CNBC

Regional reactions to the crisis included a warning from Kuwait characterizing the pipeline attack as a dangerous escalation that undermines the security and stability of the region, while Bahrain affirmed Saudi Arabia’s right to take necessary measures to protect its sovereignty.