Saudi Arabia shutters key pipeline bypassing Strait of Hormuz following Houthi offensive

Saudi Arabia on Friday moved to halt a key oil pipeline used to bypass the Strait of Hormuz after Iranian-backed Houthi militants launched a series of attacks the day prior, dealing another blow to the kingdom’s ability to move oil.

The Saudi energy minister said Friday that the East-West Pipeline was closed as a precaution after multiple attacks in the region. The energy minister did not say who was behind the attacks, but said shutting down the pipeline was a “precautionary measure.”