Saudi Arabia has reportedly sought intelligence assistance from "Israel" through the US Central Command as Sanaa continues retaliatory operations against Saudi targets, Maariv reported.

According to the Israeli newspaper, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman requested intelligence and other assistance in confronting the “Yemeni threat to the Bab al-Mandab.”

According to Maariv, Saudi Arabia had previously conveyed to Washington that it was capable of dealing with Sanaa and preferred avoiding further escalation. However, the newspaper claimed that Riyadh has now sought greater military support amid a rising threat it seems unable to handle.

The report comes after the Yemeni Armed Forces announced launching missile and drone operations targeting Saudi military positions, including the Khamis Mushait air base two days ago.

Saudi oil route faces pressure

Maariv also reported that Saudi Arabia is facing pressure over its energy export routes following damage to the East-West oil pipeline, which came under a drone attack. 

The newspaper noted that the pipeline, which connects Saudi oil fields in the east to the Red Sea coast, was designed to allow Riyadh to bypass the Strait of Hormuz and maintain export routes through an alternative corridor.

Citing regional officials briefed on the damage, Maariv said repairs could take between three and five weeks, during which the pipeline would remain largely out of operation.

The newspaper warned that an extended disruption could affect oil supplies equivalent to around 4% of global output.

Maariv said Saudi Arabia is now facing pressure from two directions, with the Strait of Hormuz threatening its eastern export route and the Red Sea route facing security challenges due to the growing capabilities of Sanaa forces near Bab al-Mandab.

Source:Websites