Houthis seize strategic Red Sea sites as Saudi pipeline shuts following drone attack

Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen have made significant territorial gains along the Red Sea coast, seizing the port city of Mocha and advancing toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait as of September 11, 2026. Military sources reported that Houthi forces also took control of the town of Dhubab and reached the strategic islands of Hanish and Perim, further threatening a critical maritime shipping corridor for global energy supplies. The Houthis have stated that navigation remains safe for all vessels except those operated by Saudi Arabia.

Simultaneously, the energy crisis has intensified as Saudi Arabia suspended operations at its 1,200-kilometre East-West pipeline on September 12 following a drone attack originating from Iraq. The pipeline, which facilitates the transport of 4 to 5 million barrels of crude oil per day, was serving as a vital alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. These combined developments have pushed global oil prices above $100 per barrel, heightening concerns regarding the economic impact of the widening conflict between Iran, the United States, and Saudi-backed forces. Iraqi authorities have since dismissed a military commander in response to the pipeline strike as the region faces an unprecedented energy squeeze.