Houthi Counter Attacks Shut Down Saudi Oil Exports Through Bab Al Mandeb

Bab el-Mandab one world’s key shipping lanes for crude oil

Saudi halts oil shipments via Bab el-Mandeb 

after Houthi retaliatory attacks on Saudi ships

• Saudi Energy Minister said Wed Houthis attacked 2 Saudi VLCC Carriers 
• each carrying 2 million barrels of oil, in Red Sea
• temporarily halted oil shipments through Bab el-Mandeb 
• until situation clearer and transit safe” he said.
• Minister said one VLCC sustained “minimal damage” 
• efforts underway to move to nearest Saudi port

Saudi Aramco confirmed Yemeni attacks on vessels

suspended Bab el-Mandeb for “safety of ships and crews

Wed Yemen missile attack on Dammam battleship 

Houthis targeted ship off el-Durayhmi  

carrying weapons, Saudi forces to Hudaydah

Lebanon’s al-Mayadeen TV said boat destroyed 

Saudi war against Yemen

Saudi naval blockade on Yemen

Yemen counter attacks 

targets Saudis, battleships 

My commments :

The Bab al Mandeb is a natural chokepoint.  The Houthis are being pushed into a corner and are fighting back. The point to note is that they have successfully fired anti ship missiles at moving shipping. Their missiles have hit Saudi warships as well as Saudi VLCCs (Very Large Crude Carriers).  

The net result is that the Saudis have suspended all oil exports through the Bab al Mandeb. I dont think the Saudis have suspended shipments just because of missile attacks. The missile attacks are very few. But I believe the marine insurance companies are either refusing to insure the ships or their rates have skyrocketed, making the shipments too high cost. Hence shipments have been suspended.

A rag tag army of guerrilas can out gun and out class the entire Saudi Armed Forces. This is a huge problem for Saudi Arabia in this third year of their aggression against Yemen.  It is going to get worse for Saudi Arabia.