RIYADH: Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended operations on a crucial oil pipeline after drones launched from Iraqi territory targeted the facility, causing injuries and damage, Saudi authorities said on Friday.
The East-West pipeline, which connects Abqaiq in eastern Saudi Arabia with the Red Sea port of Yanbu, has become increasingly important as Riyadh seeks to bypass disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing regional conflict.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attack, saying several drones originating from Iraq targeted the pipeline in the Riyadh and Madinah regions.
A Saudi Energy Ministry official said the pipeline was shut down as a precaution following the attack, which also resulted in injuries.
Satellite imagery from Copernicus Sentinel showed black smoke rising near Madinah along the general route of the East-West pipeline, which transports Saudi crude to the Red Sea coast.
Iraq Confirms Attack Originated From Its Territory
The office of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi confirmed that the attack originated from Iraqi territory. The Iraqi government condemned the incident and said the commander responsible for the southern province of Maysan had been dismissed.
Riyadh said that, following a request from the Iraqi prime minister, it had decided not to retaliate at this stage and would support Baghdad’s efforts to prevent attacks launched from Iraqi territory against Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries.
Saudi Arabia has previously accused Iraqi militias of targeting its oil infrastructure. However, Riyadh warned that it reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security, energy facilities and population.
Gulf States Condemn Attack
Bahrain, Jordan and Qatar also condemned the attack, while the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) described it as a dangerous escalation and an unacceptable threat to Saudi Arabia’s security.
The incident comes as global energy markets remain under pressure. Oil prices have risen above $100 per barrel, while average US diesel prices crossed $6 per gallon for the first time on Friday.
Red Sea Shipping Faces Additional Risks
The attack also adds to growing concerns over energy and maritime security in the Red Sea region.
The Houthis announced a maritime blockade targeting Saudi Arabia in July and have attacked Saudi-linked oil tankers in the Red Sea. Their latest advances along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and the islands near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait have further strengthened their position around the strategic waterway connecting Europe and Asia.
The developments have increased pressure on alternative oil export routes, including Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline, which has gained greater importance as an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz.
By AFP
