The Zioneer reports, citing Saudi sources, that the kingdom's strategic East-West oil pipeline was struck by drones and rendered inoperative. Saudi Arabia said the launches originated from Iraqi territory and were carried out by Shia militias. The pipeline's destruction effectively blocks Saudi crude exports via that route, according to the reports.
Saudi Arabia has confirmed that its strategic East-West crude oil pipeline was destroyed in a drone attack, rendering it inoperative. In a statement Friday evening, Saudi officials attributed the strike to Shia militias operating from Iraqi territory. The destruction of the pipeline, which connects the eastern oil fields to the Red Sea, blocks a critical bypass route for Saudi crude exports.
The Zioneer's reporting on the incident unfolded rapidly Friday evening. Initial reports indicated damage from strikes attributed to the Houthis. Satellite imagery released Friday then confirmed the destruction of the main pumping station. The Saudi Energy Ministry announced a temporary closure, citing damage and injuries. By evening, Saudi Arabia formally accused Iraqi Shia militias of the attack and stated it would not retaliate at this stage, at the request of the Iraqi Prime Minister.
This strike follows a pattern documented by The Zioneer over recent months. As The Zioneer reported in July and August, Iraqi Shia militias have coordinated with the Houthi movement under IRGC oversight, launching drone attacks from both northern and southern fronts against Saudi energy infrastructure. The use of Iraqi territory for this attack marks a further integration of Iraqi militias into the anti-Saudi campaign.
The full extent of the pipeline's damage and the timeline for repairs remain unverified. Saudi authorities have not confirmed the operational impact on exports. The Zioneer continues to monitor the situation.
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