Houthi Forces Seize Red Sea Coast and Saudi Pipeline Shut After Drone Attacks

In a fast-moving 48-hour operation, Iran-aligned Houthi forces have taken control of Yemen’s Red Sea coast. Yemeni government officials and military sources confirmed that Houthi fighters moved through Mokha and Dhubab to occupy the coastline, including Mayyun Island, Greater Hanish, and Lesser Hanish.

• Houthis seized Yemen Red Sea coast and Bab al-Mandab strait.
• Saudi East-West crude pipeline shut after drone attacks.
• Gulf ministers to meet Iran in Oman to discuss shipping corridor.

Houthi Control of Red Sea Coast

Houthi politburo member Hazem al-Assad stated that navigation in the Red Sea remains safe and orderly, though the group has targeted Saudi tankers since July. Approximately 12 percent of global trade passes through the Bab al-Mandab strait, which is now under Houthi oversight.

Saudi Pipeline Shut After Drone Attacks

Simultaneously, the Saudi Foreign Ministry reported that drones originating from Iraq struck the 1,200-kilometre East-West crude pipeline in the Riyadh and Medina regions, causing material damage and injuries. The pipeline, which transports seven million barrels of crude oil daily, has been shut as a precaution. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi confirmed the drones were launched from Maysan province and ordered an investigation, while dismissing the local provincial operations commander. Baghdad has also closed the Shalamcheh crossing with Iran. Saudi Arabia stated it would refrain from retaliation for now to preserve its sovereignty.

Casualties and Diplomatic Talks

The conflict has resulted in at least 46,000 newly displaced persons according to UN data, and over 300 ground-related deaths during the coastal offensive. Saudi jets conducted strikes on Mokha on Friday. Despite requests for direct U.S. intervention, President Trump reportedly declined to authorize U.S. strikes against the Houthis. Gulf foreign ministers are scheduled to meet with Iranian representatives in Salalah, Oman, on Monday, 14 September, to discuss the creation of a temporary shipping corridor. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei noted the meeting includes Iraq and other Gulf littoral states. The initiative aims to address the blockade of maritime routes, though experts remain skeptical given ongoing tensions in the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman, where previous drone and missile attacks have occurred. Brent crude prices surged above $100 per barrel following the news before stabilizing on diplomatic expectations.