Saudi Intercepts Houthi Missiles Amid Growing Energy Security Fears

Major General Turki Al-Malki, spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, confirmed the interceptions, identifying the Houthi militia as the source of the projectiles. The Saudi-led military force remains locked in a struggle to secure Yemen’s Red Sea coastline and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital artery for Saudi oil exports headed to Asian markets.

The Houthis previously signaled their intent to disrupt Saudi shipments through this corridor, forcing Riyadh to reroute tankers around the Cape of Good Hope. This logistical detour adds nearly a month to voyage times, straining supply chains. While oil markets initially reacted to the volatility, Brent crude dipped 1% to $105 per barrel on Tuesday. Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman attempted to stabilize sentiment by declaring the Kingdom’s energy supply resilient and framing Riyadh as the primary anchor of global energy security.