US Energy Secretary Chris Wright has condemned the “cowardly” Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed Washington’s support for the kingdom, as energy executives gathered in Riyadh despite escalating security threats.
“I want to start out by strongly condemning the cowardly attacks by the Houthis on the people of Saudi Arabia, on civilian infrastructure,” Mr Wright said on Monday, addressing the opening day of the 25th WPC Energy Congress remotely.
“We are here as your partners,” he said, reaffirming the US’s “unwavering support for Saudi Arabia”.
He also claimed oil flows from the Gulf had recovered to between 80 and 90 per cent of prewar levels, supported by US military operations, regional partners and expanded pipeline routes bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.
He estimated about 13 million to 14 million barrels a day were passing through the strait, with additional supplies moving through alternative pipelines.
