Dual Chokepoint Crisis: Saudi Pipeline Struck by Iraq-Origin Drones as Houthis Seize Bab el-Mandeb Island

Multiple credible reports confirm that on September 10, 2026, Saudi Arabia’s critical East-West oil pipeline— a key bypass for the Iran-blockaded Strait of Hormuz—was struck by drones originating from Iraq, damaging pumping stations near Al Mesba'ah and Al Dhekra and causing fires visible in satellite imagery. US officials cited by CNN and Saudi statements via Reuters and Al Jazeera attribute the projectiles to Iraqi territory; Riyadh condemned the attack but deferred retaliation at Iraq’s request while reserving rights to defend its infrastructure.[1][2]

Simultaneously, Iran-backed Houthi forces completed a rapid advance along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, seizing Mayyun (Perim) Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and adjacent areas including Dhubab after government forces withdrew. AFP, Reuters, and Al-Monitor sources report this gives Houthis control over the strait’s narrowest section, which divides shipping lanes and routes Saudi crude to the Red Sea and Suez Canal.[3][4]

The convergence heightens risks to global energy flows: the East-West pipeline, rerouting up to 5-7 million barrels per day around Hormuz, faces disruption while Bab el-Mandeb threats compound Red Sea shipping vulnerabilities. Oil benchmarks exceeded $100 amid tightening diesel markets and winter supply concerns. Satellite data from Copernicus Sentinel and EUMETSAT corroborate the fires and smoke plumes.[5]

Broader context ties these events to escalating Iran-Gulf tensions, with Iraqi militias and Houthis as proxies, potentially pressuring energy markets and forcing diplomatic maneuvering involving Iraq and mediators.