The Red Sea crisis is entering a dangerous new phase as Houthi forces expand their reported control along the coast while Saudi Arabia faces fresh pressure on critical oil export routes. Saudi Arabia has reportedly shut its East-West pipeline following a drone attack, with Riyadh blaming Iraq-based drones for the assault. The development has raised fresh concerns over the security of Saudi Arabia's energy infrastructure as the wider regional conflict continues to spread across the Gulf and Red Sea. At the same time, Houthi forces are reported to have seized key positions around Mayun and Mokha, tightening their presence around the strategic Bab El-Mandeb shipping corridor. WATCH

IRGC has claimed that a US surveillance aerostat, described as a tethered "spy balloon", was crippled during a missile and drone attack on Erbil Airport in Iraq's Kurdistan Region. According to the IRGC, the strike targeted the aerostat's ground-based control systems, maintenance facilities and fuel storage rather than the balloon itself. Tehran claims the attack may have disabled the surveillance platform, while Kurdish sources reportedly said the aerostat disappeared following the overnight strikes. The claims come after a major security incident in Erbil, where ten explosive drones were reportedly intercepted as blasts rocked the airport area. While the attack itself has been reported, Iranian claims of US fatalities and extensive destruction remain unverified. WATCH