Saudi Arabia temporarily shuts oil pipeline after drone attack from Iraq
Riyadh says drones launched from Iraq damaged the East-West pipeline and caused injuries, while Baghdad has removed a military commander and opened an investigation.
Saudi Arabia has temporarily shut its 1,200-kilometre East-West oil pipeline after authorities said drones launched from Iraq damaged the facility and caused injuries.
The pipeline, which allows Saudi Arabia to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, was closed as a precaution while the extent of the damage was assessed. Satellite imagery reportedly showed scorched ground and smoke near the affected site.
Iraq said the attack originated in Maysan governorate, which borders Iran, and removed the province’s operations commander. Baghdad has also opened an investigation, but has not established who launched the drones or what their motive was.
Saudi Arabia said it would not retaliate at this stage and supported Iraq’s efforts to prevent attacks from its territory. Riyadh nevertheless reserved the right to take measures to protect its sovereignty, security, facilities and citizens.
The incident comes amid wider conflict in the Middle East and reported advances by Houthi forces in Yemen. BBC World reported that oil prices had risen above US$100 a barrel, while Reuters estimates cited by the report put the pipeline’s throughput at 4 to 5 per cent of global oil supply.
