Saudi Arabia shuts down major oil pipeline, citing attacks amid fighting in Yemen

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Smoke rises from what is said to be an explosion near Ras al-Arah, Lahj Governorate, Yemen, in this screen grab from a social media video filmed from a car with the flag of former South Yemen visible, released on September 11, 2026. | Photo Credit: Social Media/via Reuters

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Energy said on Friday (September 11, 2026) that it had shut down a major cross-country oil pipeline after it was attacked the day before. The statement did not specify who carried out the attacks and called the shutdown "a precautionary measure."

Built in the 1980s, the East-West pipeline has played a key role in Saudi Arabia's ability to continue exporting oil following the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz during Iran's war with the U.S. and Israel.

The shutdown comes as Houthi rebels in Yemen have seized coastal territory near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, threatening Saudi oil exports through a key shipping lanes.

The Houthis’ biggest territorial gains in years, along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, could boost Iran’s strategy of driving up world oil and gas prices to pressure the United States.

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