Saudi Arabia Shuts East-West Oil Pipeline After Drone Attack From Iraq
Pipeline Closure After Drone Strike
Saudi Arabia shut down its crucial East-West pipeline after it was attacked on Thursday by drones launched from Iraq. [1] Satellite images show sites where the East-West pipeline was hit, including scorched ground and smoke near the attack site southeast of Medina along the general route of the pipeline. [2] A satellite image shows black smoke rising from an area of Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline south of Medina. [5] Riyadh on Friday said it had shut the pipeline as a precaution. [2] The foreign ministry said the attack resulted in some injuries and damage, which was still being assessed. [2] Iraq has chosen not to retaliate at this stage, its foreign ministry said. [1] Saudi Arabia has chosen not to retaliate at this stage following a call from Iraq's prime minister. [2]
Iraqi Response and Investigation
Iraq said it had fired a military commander and launched an investigation after admitting the drone attack on its neighbour's East-West pipeline had originated in one of its provinces bordering Iran. [2] The Iraqi prime minister's office said the operations commander in the Maysan governorate had been removed from his post following confirmation the drone attack had been launched from that region. [2] Later on Saturday, Iraq ordered the closure of the Shalamcheh border crossing between Iraq and Iran as a precautionary measure after the drone attacks. [5] Saudi Arabia has chosen not to retaliate at this stage, its foreign ministry says, following a call from Iraq's prime minister. [2] The foreign ministry said the kingdom would support the efforts of the Iraqi government to prevent attacks launched from the country against neighbouring states. [2]
Strategic Importance of the East-West Pipeline
The 1,200km pipeline has helped Saudi Arabia bypass the Strait of Hormuz. [2] The pipeline has been moving 4% to 5% of global oil supply. [2] Satellite images show sites where the East-West pipeline was hit southeast of Medina along the general route of Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline. [1] Riyadh on Friday said it had shut the pipeline as a precaution, as satellite images of scorched ground and smoke near the site emerged. [2]
Gulf Cooperation Council Condemnation
The Gulf Co-operation Council also issued a missive condemning the attack. [2] Gulf Cooperation Council chief says attack constitutes dangerous escalation and violation of international law. [3] This attack represents a dangerous escalation and an unacceptable threat to the security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its territorial integrity, and its vital installations, as well as a flagrant violation of the principles of international law, according to secretary general Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. [2]
Broader Regional Context
The incident comes amid a major advance by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, putting more pressure on global oil shipping routes as the US-Iran war stretches into its seventh month. [2] Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels seized control of the country's entire Red Sea coast. [1] The group claims it has control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the gateway to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, though it says maritime navigation is safe for all companies except for Saudi vessels. [2] Houthis say shipping safe except for Saudi vessels. [5] Trump declined Saudi crown prince's call for US strikes on Houthis. [1]
What to watch next: Continued assessment of damage to the pipeline and any further statements from the Iraqi investigation into the Maysan governorate launch site, alongside Houthi statements on Red Sea navigation.
