Saudi Arabia has shut down its strategic East-West crude oil pipeline after drones launched from Iraqi territory struck multiple pumping stations, the Saudi Energy Ministry said. The attack caused casualties and significant damage. Saudi Arabia formally blamed Iran-linked Iraqi militias for the attack and said it would not retaliate at this stage at the request of Iraq's prime minister. The pipeline, capable of transporting roughly 210 million barrels per month to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, is a vital economic artery, particularly amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
The drone attack on Saudi Arabia's East–West pipeline, reported on Friday, damaged multiple pumping stations in the Riyadh and Madinah regions. Satellite imagery confirmed burn scars and active fires, including at the Al-Dhekraa and Al-Misbaah stations. The Saudi Energy Ministry announced the temporary shutdown of the pipeline, which can transport up to approximately 210 million barrels of crude per month, providing a critical alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. The ministry reported some injuries.
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry formally blamed the attack on drones launched from Iraqi territory by Iran-linked Iraqi militias. Riyadh stated that, following a request from Iraqi Prime Minister to allow Baghdad time to address the matter, Saudi Arabia would not respond at this stage and would support the Iraqi government's efforts, while reserving the right to take all necessary measures. Iraq's government confirmed that the attacks originated from its territory and dismissed the regional commander of Missan province, where the drones were reportedly launched.
The attack comes amid heightened regional tensions, with the Houthi movement in Yemen also active in the Red Sea area. However, the official Saudi line attributes the pipeline strike to Iraqi-based actors rather than the Houthis.
8 developments
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- StrongHouthi spokesman: Drone strike targeted Saudi oil facilities from east to Yanbu
- StrongIraqi Militias Deny Firing on Saudi Oil Pipeline, Claim 'Israeli-American Scheme'
- StrongOil loading halted at all Iraqi export terminals after drone strike on Basra tanker
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