Saudi Arabia appeals to US as pipeline closure and Houthis spike oil prices
The Houthis continued their advance on Monday, seizing two more key islands in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, as the Saudis continued their appeals to the United States for further assistance.
TL;DR
- Houthis seized two more key islands in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with U.S. Central Command head Adm. Brad Cooper in Jeddah.
- Salman previously appealed to President Trump for military help, which was denied.
- The U.S. has provided training, equipment, and intelligence support to Saudi Arabia.
- Saudi Arabia is meeting with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el Sisi to seek support from Egypt, a capable member of the anti-Houthi coalition.
- Oil prices increased by over 4% due to the Houthi offensive and attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure.
- The East-West oil pipeline, carrying 4 million-5 million barrels per day, was temporarily shut down due to an alleged Iraqi militia drone attack and remains offline.
- Saudi Arabia relies heavily on its oil wealth and its oil industry is vulnerable to Houthi and Iranian proxy attacks.
- The U.S. focus remains on Iran directly, and they are unlikely to change their stance on fighting the Houthis.
- The Houthis seized the Greater and Lesser Hanish islands, further solidifying their control over Red Sea shipping.
- The Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) is heavily reliant on Saudi funding, and many PLC units were reported to be understrength.
- The integration of the more effective UAE-aligned Southern Transitional Council (STC) into the PLC was suggested to have left the area vulnerable.
- Saudi Arabia has launched airstrikes against Houthi forces, who claim to have responded with missile and drone attacks on a Saudi military air base.