Houthi fighters have seized control of Perim Island, a strategic location that divides the Bab el-Mandeb strait into two shipping lanes. This move follows the withdrawal of government forces and completes the group's takeover of the critical waterway. The capture places roughly one-third of the world's seaborne trade under hostile influence, alongside Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Saudi Pipeline Shut After Drone Strikes
In a separate development affecting global energy supplies, Saudi Arabia has shut down its vital East-West Pipeline as a precautionary measure. The state news agency SPA reported that the pipeline was hit by projectiles on Thursday and subsequently struck again by drones launched from Iraq. The facility is capable of transporting oil from the Gulf to the Red Sea, effectively bypassing the blockaded Strait of Hormuz, as this newspaper reported in Houthi Attacks on Saudi Energy Facilities Drive Oil Prices Higher Amid Global Tr.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry confirmed the attacks on Friday. In response, Iraq condemned the incident and dismissed a military commander who led operations in Maysan province. The shutdown comes as oil prices near $105 per barrel, raising concerns about supply stability amidst escalating regional hostilities.
