Philadelphia, PA, September 11, 2026 — Saudi Arabia has taken the decision to shut down its critical East-West oil pipeline in response to a drone attack. The full extent of the impact from this incident and the timeline for the pipeline’s reopening were not immediately provided. This closure raises concerns about oil supply routes and regional stability in the Middle East.

The East-West pipeline is a significant piece of infrastructure for Saudi Arabia, transporting crude oil from the country’s eastern oil fields to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. Its operational status is crucial for maintaining global oil flows.

In a separate but geographically related development, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have reportedly seized the island of Mayun, also known as Perim. This island is strategically located at the southern entrance of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital chokepoint for international shipping. Control of this strait is critical for maritime trade, particularly for oil tankers and other vessels transiting between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The seizure of Mayun by Houthi rebels could potentially impact shipping traffic and heighten tensions in the region. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, with a significant volume of global trade passing through it daily.

Further details regarding the drone attack on the pipeline, including the origin and specific targets, were not disclosed. Similarly, the operational capacity of the Houthis on Mayun island and their intentions concerning shipping traffic remain subjects of ongoing observation.


Story summarized from the original created by FATMA KHALED, SAMY MAGDY and CARA ANNA on www.inquirer.com, see more information here.

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