Houthi Attack on Saudi Oil Pipeline in the Red Sea Generates Oil Tension

Yemen's Houthis, aligned with Iran, claimed to have attacked several key crude oil supply and transportation facilities connecting eastern Saudi Arabia with the strategic export port of Yanbu, on the Red Sea.

The group's military spokesman, Yahya Saree, stated that the operation was a response to what he called Saudi drone incursions into Yemeni airspace.

Saudi Arabia has redirected its crude oil output towards Yanbu via its east-west pipeline to circumvent Iranian attacks on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, which began after the outbreak of the conflict launched by the United States and Israel against Iran in February.

Last week, the Houthis threatened to extend disruptions to global oil supply to a second major shipping lane by announcing a blockade of the Saudi oil industry in the Red Sea, which further pushed crude prices higher.

In response, Saudi Arabia has carried out airstrikes against what it defined as Houthi military facilities in the Yemeni port of Hodeida, assuring that it will protect commercial navigation.