While the war in the Middle East continues to affect the energy infrastructure and maritime trade, activities on the East-West pipeline, one of Saudi Arabia's critical oil routes, have been temporarily stopped.
The statement on the subject was made from the account of the Ministry of Energy of Saudi Arabia on the social media platform.
In the statement, based on a source in the Ministry of Energy, it was stated that the East-West pipeline in the Riyadh-Medina region was subjected to a series of attacks on September 10.
In the statement, which noted that there were injuries as a result of the attacks, it was shared that the pipeline was closed for precautionary purposes.
It was reported that emergency and expert technical teams started the necessary work to ensure the security of the line after the attacks.
PIPELINE CRITICAL
The East-West pipeline plays a critical role in Saudi Arabia's ability to direct its crude oil exports to the Red Sea without using the Strait of Hormuz.
Passages through the Strait of Hormuz have largely stopped following the war that started with the US and Israel's attacks on Iran six months ago. Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, also became more dependent on the Red Sea route in this process.
The interruption in the line coincided with the Houthis' advance on Yemen's Red Sea coast.
Houthis REACHED THE STRATEGIC ISLAND
On the other hand, four sources from the Yemeni government told Reuters that the Iran-allied Houthis reached the strategic Perim Island in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait on Friday.
Two government sources had previously announced that forces affiliated with the internationally recognized Yemeni government, supported by Saudi Arabia, had withdrawn from the island. Sources reported that the Houthis also captured the coastal town of Zubab across the island.
If the Houthis increase their control over Bab al-Mandab, it could also put shipments on the second largest maritime trade route after Hormuz at risk. It is evaluated that this situation may increase the pressure on global oil supply.
SAUDI OIL SUPPLY IS AT THE LOWEST IN MORE THAN 30 YEARS
The International Energy Agency reported that Saudi Arabia's crude oil supply decreased by 2.3 million barrels per day in August compared to the previous month, falling to 6 million barrels.
This level was recorded as the lowest figure in more than 30 years. The agency also cited the targeting of ships passing through Bab al-Mandeb by groups linked to the Houthis among the reasons for the decline.
Oil prices, which fell on Friday, nevertheless tended to close the week above $100 per barrel for the first time since mid-May.
ONLY SEVEN SHIPS PASSED FROM HORMIS IN ONE DAY
According to ship tracking data, the number of ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday decreased to seven from 11 the previous day. Before the war, approximately 125 large commercial ships passed through the strait a day.
Yahya Seri, the military spokesman of the Houthis, argued that maritime transportation is safe, except for Saudi ships that are within the scope of the ban they previously announced. Seri stated that they will continue to respond until Saudi Arabia's attacks and blockade on Yemen end.
MILITARY ASSISTANCE REQUEST FROM RIYADH TO WASHINGTON
Two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called US President Donald Trump at least twice on Thursday and asked for military aid against the Houthis.
According to sources, Washington stated that it does not favor direct military intervention for now, but will provide support in intelligence sharing and target identification.
Forces affiliated with the Yemeni government also announced that they were preparing a counter-operation to take back the areas captured by the Houthis.
On the other hand, Iran announced that its representatives will meet with officials from Iraq and Gulf countries in Oman on Monday and discuss safe commercial ship passage in Hormuz.
