Houthi Rebel Group Threatens Saudi Oil Infrastructure

The Houthi rebel group is reportedly positioned to threaten Saudi Arabia's 745-mile-long pipeline and the world's largest oil processing plant, according to security experts. The Iran-backed group's advance along the Yemeni coast has allowed it to gain control over the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which is crucial for Saudi oil exports. The group has previously been linked to attacks on the East-West pipeline and other oil facilities, which are considered vulnerable targets. Kelly Campa, head of the Middle East team for the Institute for the Study of War, stated, "There is an inherent problem in trying to defend large, fixed infrastructure from the Houthi attacks." Campa also noted that attacks on the pipeline are concerning, indicating that this is part of an effort to target Saudi oil and inflict economic damage. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump suggested that the conflict is primarily an internal issue for Yemen and Saudi Arabia that could be resolved quickly. The Houthis gained prominence after capturing Yemen's capital, Sanaa, in 2014 during a civil war against the Saudi-backed federal government. A ceasefire was established in 2022, but it collapsed in July after Saudi-linked forces bombed a runway near the capital to prevent an Iranian plane from landing, which was carrying military equipment for the Houthis. Following this incident, the Houthis announced a maritime blockade on all Saudi ships in the Red Sea and escalated attacks on Yemen's internationally recognized government. The Houthis have deployed thousands of fighters to the port city of Mokha to strengthen their control over the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Since Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, Saudi Arabia has redirected most of its shipments through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which sees $1 trillion worth of goods pass through annually. If the Strait were to close, oil and commercial tankers would have to divert through Egypt's Suez Canal, significantly delaying their journeys. The International Energy Agency reported that Saudi Arabia's crude exports through its main Red Sea port fell to approximately 2.5 million barrels a day last month, down from 4.6 million barrels a day in July. The ISW warned that the Bab al-Mandeb Strait is narrower than the Strait of Hormuz, making it difficult to establish a safe military escort route. Campa remarked that the situation sends a message that the Axis of Resistance can threaten energy markets in the region beyond the Strait of Hormuz.