Red Sea shipping slows after Houthi attacks on Saudi oil sites

In late July 2026, Yemen's Houthi rebels said they attacked oil facilities and transport points in Saudi Arabia with drones. Shipping data showed that traffic in the Red Sea slowed noticeably after the strikes, which targeted Saudi oil infrastructure and shipping lanes.

The Houthis, who control parts of Yemen, have been involved in an ongoing conflict with a Saudi-led coalition. Yemen's internationally recognized government said it was ready for a Houthi escalation. The attacks came as a pause between the US and Iran reportedly held, though the Houthis have continued their campaign against Saudi targets.