Houthis seize 2 strategic Red Sea islands, and other Mideast developments
Summary
Yemen's Houthi rebels have taken control of two important islands in the southern Red Sea, which helps them control a key shipping route. Meanwhile, repairs to a Saudi oil pipeline damaged by a recent attack could take up to five weeks, affecting Saudi oil exports and global oil prices.Key Facts
- The Houthis seized Greater and Lesser Hanish islands near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime passage used as an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran-backed Houthis have also captured the Red Sea port of Mokha and another strategic island recently.
- The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is important for Saudi Arabia's oil exports because Iran has effectively closed the nearby Strait of Hormuz.
- An attack on Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline on September 10 has caused serious damage, with repairs expected to take three to five weeks.
- The pipeline helps move crude oil from Gulf ports to the Red Sea for export by ship.
- China called the Houthi attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure "unacceptable" and expressed concern over escalating violence.
- Iran claimed Saudi Arabia demanded the cancellation of a regional meeting meant to discuss security of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Austria refused visas to Iranian nuclear officials for a U.N. conference, leading to diplomatic complaints from Iran.
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