Saudi Arabia Closes East-West Pipeline as Houthis Expand Control Over Red Sea

Saudi Arabia closed the East-West pipeline on September 12, 2026, as part of a broader strategy to mitigate disruptions caused by the Houthis. The pipeline, which transports approximately 1.2 million barrels of oil per day, was shut down following attacks on critical infrastructure in the Red Sea region. France24 reported that the Houthis have intensified their control over strategic locations around Bab el-Mandeb, a narrow strait that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. This has led to a significant reduction in Saudi oil exports, with some estimates suggesting a 40% drop in shipments through the region. The closure of the pipeline and the Houthis' control over key areas have raised concerns about the stability of global oil supplies and the potential for further escalation in the region.