Live Updates: Iran-backed Houthis deny losing ground
Wertynews.com – Live Updates: Iran-backed Houthis deny losing ground in Yemen as oil prices eased despite fierce fighting across the region. Brent crude fell below $100 a barrel early Tuesday after more oil appeared to leave the Persian Gulf last month, although the outlook remained uncertain amid continuing attacks around the Gulf and the Red Sea.
Oil prices were still roughly 30% higher than before the United States and Israel began the war with Iran. Shipping companies continue to face danger and conflicting military demands near major energy routes, making any relief in the market potentially temporary.
The effects have reached consumers well beyond the conflict zone. In the United Kingdom, average diesel prices rose to nearly £2 per liter during the week ending Oct. 5. Official figures put the average at 199.52 pence per liter, just above the 199.22-pence record set in July 2022 after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Commercial Ship Crew Injured Off Oman
Twelve crew members on the Panama-flagged MT On Peace were injured in a strike off Oman’s coast. The commercial vessel had 19 people aboard, and 11 Indian nationals were among those hurt.
Omani authorities assisted with evacuating the injured crew members to Khasab, Oman, for treatment. The incident illustrated the risks for civilian sailors operating in waters central to the eight-month conflict.
U.S. Central Command said Monday it had destroyed 13 commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz during the previous 12 weeks, alleging the vessels had violated the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports and ships or were connected to Iran’s shadow fleet. Washington has advised commercial traffic to use a southern route near Oman’s coast, where it says military protection is available. Iran considers that passage inconsistent with its blockade and has attacked vessels attempting to use it.
Airport Attacks Add to Regional Risks
Saudi Arabia said two airports were attacked Monday evening: King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport on the country’s southwestern coast and Najran Airport near the Yemeni border. The General Authority of Civil Aviation said three people sustained minor injuries and property was damaged.
Iran-backed Houthi forces said they also targeted King Khalid Airport in Riyadh and Abha Airport in southwestern Saudi Arabia with a ballistic missile. Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree warned international airlines about operating through Saudi airspace.
“We renew our warning to all global airlines about the consequences of continuing to operate flights in Saudi airspace, as it has become a theater for our military operations,” Saree said.
Live Updates: Iran-backed Houthis deny losing ground also reflects the widening impact of the conflict on civilian transportation. Concerns over airport security, airspace and maritime access can affect passenger travel, cargo routes and insurance costs.
Houthis Dispute Yemen Battlefield Claims
Fighting intensified in Yemen as the Houthis rejected claims by Saudi-backed government forces and the Saudi-led military coalition that they had retaken areas recently seized by the Iran-aligned group. Saree said Houthi forces remained in control of their gains.
“What the enemy is promoting is imaginary heroism to satisfy its masters,” Saree said.
He described the opposing claims as “malicious methods” and said the Houthis retained “full control over all their gains on the ground.” The competing accounts could not be independently resolved from the available information, underscoring the difficulty of assessing fast-moving conditions in Yemen.
The Houthis said more than 200 Saudi-backed fighters had been killed or wounded in operations east of al-Jawf province, north of Sanaa, and in Marib province east of the capital. The group characterized the attacks as unprecedented in scale.
“The armed forces confirm the death and injury of more than 200 of the enemy’s forces during the past hours,” Saree said.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did oil prices ease?
Prices eased after indications that substantially more crude had departed the Persian Gulf last month. However, continued fighting and threats to shipping routes mean oil markets remain vulnerable to further disruption.
What should travelers and shipping companies watch?
Travelers should monitor airline notices and official guidance for Saudi airspace and nearby airports. Shipping companies must weigh security risks and military restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf and the Red Sea.
What does “Live Updates: Iran-backed Houthis deny losing” mean?
It refers to the Houthis’ rejection of claims that Saudi-backed forces and the Saudi-led coalition had reversed Houthi territorial gains in Yemen. The claims from both sides could not be independently verified from the available information.