JEDDAH — Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper in Jeddah on Monday as Saudi Arabia responds to growing security concerns involving Yemen and Iraq.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the two officials discussed Saudi-U.S. military relations and the latest regional developments. Saudi Minister of State, Cabinet Member and National Security Adviser Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban also attended the meeting.
Houthi Forces Advance Along Red Sea Coast
The meeting came amid a new escalation involving Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement.
The Houthis captured the port city of Mocha on September 10 and subsequently advanced toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Their reported capture of Mayun Island and positions in the Hanish Islands has increased their presence around the strategically important maritime area.
The Bab el-Mandeb connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is an important route for international shipping.
The Houthi advances have also raised security concerns in southern Saudi Arabia. Saudi Civil Defense issued alerts for Najran, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Abha following missile and drone attacks. The alerts were later lifted after authorities said the areas were safe.
Drone Attack Hits East-West Pipeline
Saudi Arabia is also dealing with a separate security incident involving its energy infrastructure.
Drones launched from Iraqi territory reportedly struck Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline on the night of September 10-11. The attacks affected pumping stations in the Riyadh and Medina regions and caused injuries and damage.
Saudi Arabia temporarily shut down the pipeline as a precaution.
The approximately 1,200-kilometer pipeline transports crude oil from Saudi Arabia's eastern oil-producing areas to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. The route provides Saudi Arabia with an alternative to shipping oil through the Strait of Hormuz.
Saudi authorities said the drones originated from Iraq, while Iraqi authorities began an investigation into the attack. Riyadh has indicated that it is prepared to cooperate with Baghdad on a joint investigation.
Saudi Arabia Seeks U.S. Support
The recent developments have increased the importance of military coordination between Riyadh and Washington.
According to reports, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump as the Houthi offensive developed and sought U.S. military assistance.
The United States did not agree to conduct direct strikes against the Houthis but offered intelligence-sharing and targeting assistance to Saudi Arabia.
The United States and Saudi Arabia have also previously conducted joint military operations against Iran-aligned groups. On July 28, CENTCOM and Saudi forces carried out precision strikes in Iraq following more than 30 drone attacks over a 72-hour period, according to the information provided by U.S. officials.
Regional Security Concerns
Saudi Arabia is now monitoring developments involving the Houthis in Yemen as well as Iran-aligned armed groups operating from Iraq.
The situation also comes amid wider regional tensions affecting energy infrastructure and maritime routes. A planned meeting in Oman between Gulf countries and Iran was postponed, with officials saying the delay was intended to provide better conditions for dialogue.
The meeting between Mohammed bin Salman and Admiral Cooper comes as Riyadh continues discussions with Washington over defense cooperation and the security situation across the region.
——— End of Article ———
