Saudi Arabia Shuts Key Oil Pipeline After Drone Attacks From Iraq
Saudi Arabia temporarily shut down its critical East-West crude oil pipeline on Thursday following multiple drone strikes in the Riyadh and Medina regions, according to the Saudi government. The attacks caused fires, structural damage, and multiple injuries, prompting emergency teams to secure the route used to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.
Pipeline Operations and Regional Energy Impact
Satellite imagery captured by Copernicus Sentinel Data on Thursday showed black smoke billowing near Medina along the pipeline’s corridor.
Energy markets reacted swiftly to the disruption. The pipeline closure compounded supply concerns driven by broader regional fighting and ongoing maritime blockades.
Attribution and Diplomatic Response
Saudi authorities stated that the drones were launched from Iraqi territory, an assertion subsequently confirmed by the office of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. The Iraqi government condemned the strikes and announced that the commander in charge of the southern province of Maysan had been dismissed.
Despite the damage and injuries, the Saudi Foreign Ministry announced it would refrain from immediate retaliation. Regional bodies, including the Gulf Cooperation Council, alongside Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan, condemned the strike as a dangerous escalation.
The diplomatic handling of the incident remains open as Iraqi authorities attempt to secure southern border regions and prevent further militant launches.