Kuwait, a US ally in the region, warned that the pipeline attack was a “dangerous escalation that undermines the security and stability of the region,” while Bahrain highlighted Saudi Arabia’s right to “take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty.” US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that everything would “work out” when asked about the region during a visit to Ireland. He also said, without providing evidence, that Iran was “probably” behind the pipeline attack. The attacks on the pipeline came as Houthi rebel 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 linking Europe and Asia. The Houthis also captured the historic port city of Mocha this week, followed by an advance on the strategic coastal city of Dhubab and the apparent withdrawal of Saudi-backed and internationally recognized Yemeni forces. government of Perim, also known as Mayun. If the Houthis succeed in threatening shipping along the Bab el Mandeb Strait, they could reduce oil supplies through another key waterway. Saudi Arabia has had to rely on the Red Sea route due to the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz. The Yemeni Defense Ministry said on Saturday it had carried out counterattacks against Houthi targets, attacking militants, vehicles and weapons. A statement issued by Houthi forces on Friday said “maritime navigation is safe for all companies except Saudi vessels,” vowing to attack Saudi targets “until the aggression ceases and the blockade against our beloved people is lifted.”
