Politics · India
Houthi attacks disrupt Saudi oil pipeline and spark regional tensions
Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen launched a series of attacks on Saudi Arabia in early June 2024, including drone strikes on a military base in the Shurrah region and the seizure of the Greater and Lesser Hanish islands in the Red Sea. The attacks disrupted the Saudi Aramco East‑West crude oil pipeline, halting shipments for several weeks and prompting concerns about oil supply and inflation. Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry released a 62‑second video showing fighter jets, helicopters and troops preparing for operations, and the kingdom warned it would respond firmly to any further Houthi aggression. Israeli officials reportedly shared intelligence with Saudi authorities regarding the Houthi targeting of oil facilities and the Bab al‑Mandab strait. International analysts noted that the escalation forces Saudi Arabia to balance military deterrence with diplomatic efforts, including stalled talks over the Strait of Hormuz and a recent Iran‑Yemen meeting. Markets reacted negatively, with stock indices opening lower after news of the pipeline shutdown.
How outlets across the spectrum covered it
- Centre (5): Amar Ujala, Deccan Chronicle, Outlook India, Telangana Today, The Lallantop
- Right (1): Aaj Tak
- International (11): Al Jazeera English, Associated Press, BBC News, Bloomberg, CBS News, Deutsche Welle, France 24, Reuters, South China Morning Post, The Guardian, The New York Times