The Zioneer Intelligence Desk publishes an exclusive image of the strategic East-West Pipeline, showing its condition after Shiite militias reportedly targeted it during the holiday weekend. The pipeline, a critical alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, was struck by multiple drone attacks from Iraq last week, forcing a shutdown that threatens global oil supply.
The Zioneer Intelligence Desk has obtained an exclusive image of the Saudi East-West Oil Pipeline, offering the first public visual confirmation of damage following attacks attributed to Shiite militias over the holiday weekend. The image shows visible damage to the pipeline infrastructure, though its exact location and full extent remain unverified.
The attacks unfolded over three days. On the evening of Friday, September 11, Saudi Arabia officially confirmed that drones launched from Iraqi territory had struck the pipeline, as The Zioneer reported. The following morning, Saturday, September 12, a second wave of drone strikes hit multiple points along the same line, forcing a complete shutdown. By Sunday afternoon, September 13, Reuters reported that Saudi crude export reserves at the Yanbu terminal could be exhausted within five to seven days, and that full repairs could take five to six weeks — removing up to 4% of global supply.
The East-West Pipeline, capable of transporting up to 5 million barrels per day, is Saudi Arabia's strategic alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, allowing crude to reach the Red Sea for export while bypassing the Persian Gulf waterway. The Zioneer has previously reported that the attacks were launched by Iranian-backed Iraqi Shia factions, hitting critical pumping stations including Al-Dhekraa and Al-Misbaah.
The exclusive image now provides visual evidence that the pipeline has not resumed operations. However, the exact damage at specific locations and Saudi Arabia's detailed repair timeline remain unconfirmed. The Zioneer continues to monitor official statements from Riyadh and market reactions.
5 developments
- StrongYanbu port halts loading after pipeline damage; Saudi Arabia cancels crude shipments to Europe
- StrongAsian oil companies reroute tankers from Saudi Yanbu port after Houthi blockade threats
- StrongSix Explosions Reported Near Oil and Gas Facilities in Eastern Saudi Arabia
- StrongSatellite imagery shows Iran damaged Kuwait's oil collection center, exports limited for months
Source and signal
- Open-source intake