Houthis, Saudi-backed forces fight for control of key Yemen highlands
Houthi militants and Saudi-backed forces fought for strategic positions in Yemen on Monday, with battles potentially determining control over areas that dominate a critical shipping chokepoint. Advances by the Iran-backed Houthis have kept the outlook for supply flows from Saudi Arabia uncertain. Oil prices dropped on Monday despite continued supply disruption risks, as Saudi exports recovered to over 4 million barrels per day in September.
Why it matters: This matters for the theme of energy security, as control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait directly affects the flow of Saudi oil to global markets.