Iraqi militias denied responsibility for the recent attacks on Saudi Arabia's east-west oil pipeline, describing the incidents as an 'Israeli-American scheme,' according to reports. The denial follows a second drone strike on the pipeline within two days, reported by The Zioneer earlier Saturday.
Iraqi militias have denied responsibility for the drone strikes on Saudi Arabia's east-west oil pipeline, labeling the attacks an 'Israeli-American scheme.' The denial comes hours after Iraqi officials confirmed the strikes originated from Iraqi territory and dismissed the area commander, as The Zioneer reported at 12:20 Jerusalem earlier today. The pipeline was struck for the second time in two days early Saturday, with Saudi Arabia reporting casualties and a temporary shutdown.
The Zioneer began tracking the incident early Saturday (00:31 Jerusalem) when Saudi Arabia announced the complete shutdown of its main oil pipeline following an attack and fire. Satellite imagery later confirmed black smoke rising from the damaged infrastructure. Saudi Arabia then officially reported that drones launched from Iraq struck multiple points along the pipeline, causing casualties. Within hours, a second drone strike targeted the same pipeline. Iraq later confirmed the attacks originated from its territory and dismissed the area commander, marking a progression from initial unverified reports to official acknowledgments.
The east-west pipeline is a strategic asset designed to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, carrying millions of barrels of oil daily. As The Zioneer reported, Saudi Arabia has previously shifted from defensive interceptions to targeted strikes against militias in Iraq following similar provocations, including in late July. The current attacks from Iraqi territory represent a direct challenge to Saudi energy security and raise the likelihood of a kinetic response.
The specific militia factions behind the attacks have not been identified, and the claim of an 'Israeli-American scheme' is unsubstantiated. The extent of damage to the pipeline and the timeline for restoring full operations remain unclear.
5 developments
- DevelopingIraq confirms pipeline attacks originated from its territory, fires area commander
- StrongSaudi Arabia says strike retaliates for drone attacks on oil facilities, warns of response to any aggression
- StrongHouthi spokesman: Drone strike targeted Saudi oil facilities from east to Yanbu
- DevelopingHananel Aviv: Iraqi Shiite Militias Join Houthis in Striking Saudi Oil Targets
Source and signal
- Open-source intake