Houthi forces seize Red Sea island, prompting Saudi pipeline shutdown
Iran-backed Houthi rebels captured the Mayun island at the Red Sea entrance, raising concerns for Saudi oil shipments, while Saudi Arabia halted a major oil pipeline following recent attacks.
Iran-backed Houthi fighters in Yemen took control of Mayun island, located at the entrance to the Red Sea and a key alternative route for Saudi oil exports, on Friday. The seizure was confirmed by a senior military official of Yemen’s internationally recognised government and a Houthi spokesperson, both speaking anonymously.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, through which about 12% of global trade passes, is a vital corridor for Saudi Arabia, a principal U.S. ally. The Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said maritime navigation remains safe for all vessels except Saudi ships.
In response to recent attacks, Saudi Arabia announced the shutdown of the East-West oil pipeline as a precautionary measure. The Energy Ministry did not identify the perpetrators. The pipeline has been essential for maintaining Saudi oil exports after disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Separately, the United Nations reported that Houthi forces seized a compound in Mokha that had housed UN staff, who evacuated safely before the city’s capture. No UN personnel remain in Mokha.
"Maritime navigation is safe for all companies except for Saudi vessels," Yahya Saree said.
"No U.N. personnel remain in Mokha right now," UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said.
The developments come amid broader regional tensions, including planned meetings between Iran and Gulf states on shipping security in the Strait of Hormuz.