Story perspectives

Houthi Seize Perim, Disrupt Saudi Oil Pipeline, Push Brent

By Drooid · Sep 13, 2026, 10:00 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Iran-backed Houthi rebels seized the strategic island of Perim in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on September 11, 2026.
A drone strike simultaneously shut Saudi Arabia’s 1,200-kilometre East-West oil pipeline as a precaution.
Brent crude rose above $100 a barrel, the first time since mid-May, after the disruptions.
Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree said navigation is safe for all vessels except Saudi-linked ships under embargo.

History

Historical Context

During the 1991 Gulf War, coalition forces responded to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait by launching Operation Desert Storm, which set roughly 737 Kuwaiti oil wells ablaze and highlighted the vulnerability of Saudi Arabia’s east-west oil corridor. The pattern reappeared on 11 September 2026 when Houthi rebels seized Perim Island, halted the same corridor and pushed Brent crude above $100 a barrel.

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Story summary

Iran-backed Houthi rebels seized the strategic island of Perim in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on September 11, 2026.
A drone strike simultaneously shut Saudi Arabia’s 1,200-kilometre East-West oil pipeline as a precaution.
Brent crude rose above $100 a barrel, the first time since mid-May, after the disruptions.
Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree said navigation is safe for all vessels except Saudi-linked ships under embargo.

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