PNN – A Hebrew media outlet reported that, based on satellite imagery, the Yemenis have dealt devastating blows to Saudi Arabia.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network the Hebrew-language news and analysis site Kippa reported that satellite images show pumping stations along Saudi Arabia’s main oil pipeline have been attacked; consequently, the pipeline—which served as an alternative route to the Strait of Hormuz and carried 4 percent of global oil supplies—has been rendered inoperable.
Part of the report states that new satellite imagery has revealed the shutdown of at least one pumping station on Saudi Arabia’s main oil pipeline following a drone attack on Friday.
Stretching approximately 1,200 kilometers from the east to the west of Saudi Arabia, this pipeline transports oil to the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea coast. According to Reuters, existing stocks at the port are expected to last for about a week, while repairing the damage could take several weeks.
The closure of this pipeline could have severe consequences for the global energy market: in recent months, Saudi Arabia had been using it to transport approximately 4 million barrels of oil daily—equivalent to 4 percent of global supply—thereby bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, whose shipping lanes had been compromised following the war with Iran.
In this context, the Houthis (Yemen’s armed forces) launched an offensive about a week ago against the (mercenary) Yemeni government—which is backed by Saudi Arabia—and have recently succeeded in seizing control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which overlooks shipping lanes in the Red Sea. Saudi Arabia attempted to halt the Houthi attacks but failed; it has also reportedly participated in airstrikes in Yemen to support the Yemeni government.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia faced difficulties in repelling Houthi attacks on its territory; last Thursday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman requested military assistance from U.S. President Donald Trump to halt the Houthi offensive.
According to a Reuters report, the U.S. declined to participate in airstrikes against the Houthis but agreed to cooperate on intelligence sharing and target identification.