Saudi Arabia announced Saturday that drones launched from Iraq struck multiple points along its east-west oil pipeline, the second attack on the pipeline in two days. The pipeline was temporarily shut down and several casualties were reported; the extent of damage is still being assessed, according to the Saudi statement as reported by N12 journalist Asaf Rozentzweig.
Saudi Arabia announced early Saturday morning that drones launched from Iraqi territory struck multiple points along its strategic east-west oil pipeline, temporarily shutting down the pipeline and causing several casualties. The announcement, reported by N12 journalist Asaf Rozentzweig, did not specify the exact number of casualties or the full extent of damage. The attack is the second on the pipeline in two days.
On Friday, The Zioneer reported that satellite imagery confirmed a pumping station on the same pipeline was completely destroyed in the earlier attack. U.S. officials said the drones originated from Iraq. That attack, which occurred on Thursday, caused severe damage to a critical node in the energy infrastructure. By late Friday, Saudi Arabia had completely shut down the pipeline after a fire broke out, and satellite images showed black smoke rising from the area.
The east-west pipeline is a vital asset for Saudi Arabia, enabling crude oil exports via the Red Sea and bypassing the Strait of Hormuz—a chokepoint that has been affected by the ongoing regional conflict. Since July, Iranian-backed militias operating from Iraq have launched repeated drone and missile strikes targeting Saudi energy facilities, as well as other U.S. and allied assets in the region, as The Zioneer has reported. In late July, Houthi forces also claimed responsibility for a strike on Saudi oil facilities from east to Yanbu, though Saudi authorities attributed launches to Iraq.
The identity of the group that launched Saturday's drones has not been officially confirmed. Saudi authorities have not released further operational details, and the extent of the pipeline shutdown and repair timeline remain unknown.
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