Kuwait, a U.S. ally in the region, warned that the pipeline attack was a “dangerous escalation that undermines the security and stability of the region” while Bahrain stressed Saudi Arabia’s right to “take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty.”
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that everything would “work out just fine” when asked about the region on a visit to Ireland. He also said, without providing evidence, that Iran was “probably” behind the pipeline attack.
The pipeline strikes came as rebel Houthi forces in Yemen captured Perim, an island in the middle of the vital Bab el Mandeb Strait that serves as a gateway to the Red Sea trade route that links Europe and Asia.
The Houthis also captured the historic port city of Mocha this week, followed by an advance on the strategic coastal town of Dhubab and the apparent withdrawal of forces from the Saudi-backed, internationally recognized Yemeni government from Perim, also known as Mayun.
If the Houthis are able to threaten shipping along the Bab el Mandeb Strait, it could reduce oil supplies through another key waterway. Saudi Arabia has had to rely on the Red Sea route given the disruption to the Strait of Hormuz.
The Yemeni Ministry of Defense said Saturday it had carried out counterattacks against Houthi targets, hitting militants, vehicles and weaponry.
A statement issued by Houthi forces Friday said that “maritime navigation is safe for all companies except for Saudi vessels,” vowing to strike Saudi targets “until the aggression stops and the blockade against our dear people is lifted.”
