Saudi Arabia has carried out fresh strikes in Yemen, according to Houthi militants cited by Reuters, as fighting intensifies and concerns grow over regional shipping and energy supplies.
Reuters reported on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia may have launched as many as 450 airstrikes on Yemen during the week.
Saudi Strikes Target Houthi Positions
Authorities in the Saudi-aligned government controlling southern Yemen said the attacks targeted Houthi positions.
Saudi Arabia had not independently confirmed those specific strikes at the time of the report.
The latest escalation follows an incident on Tuesday, when Riyadh said its air defenses intercepted a drone south of Mecca.
Saudi authorities described the incident as crossing a “red line” because of the area’s religious significance.
A Houthi spokesperson denied responsibility for the reported drone attack.
Houthi Advance Raises Red Sea Concerns
The Houthis have recently made gains in western Yemen along the Red Sea coast.
That advance could increase their influence near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints.
The route is critical for global shipping and is particularly important for Saudi energy exports.
The situation has become more sensitive as traffic through the nearby Strait of Hormuz has also faced disruption amid fighting involving the United States and Iran.
Saudi Oil Routes Face Growing Pressure
Saudi Arabia has increasingly relied on alternative export routes through the Bab el-Mandeb as uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz has grown.
However, instability around both maritime corridors has raised fresh concerns about the reliability of Saudi oil flows.
The situation has been further complicated by reported Houthi attacks on a major Saudi east-west pipeline.
Media reports have suggested the pipeline could remain offline for weeks, although U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said it could potentially resume operations within days.
Some traders estimate that an extended shutdown could disrupt roughly 4% of global oil supply.
Brent Crude Reacts to Supply Concerns
Brent crude prices have risen in recent sessions as investors assessed the risk of prolonged supply disruptions in the Middle East.
However, the rally paused on Wednesday after U.S. crude inventory data showed a larger-than-expected increase.
The combination of geopolitical risk, pipeline disruptions and uncertainty around major shipping routes continues to keep energy markets on alert.
U.S. Role Remains Limited
Saudi officials have reportedly sought greater U.S. involvement in the campaign against the Houthis.
According to media reports, Washington has so far limited its support primarily to intelligence assistance.
The conflict therefore remains a key source of uncertainty for both regional security and global energy markets, particularly as investors monitor developments affecting Saudi production and major oil shipping routes.
