Drone Attacks Disable Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline
The East-West Pipeline in Saudi Arabia has been severely damaged by drone attacks, forcing the country to shut it down for repairs. This pipeline was a critical alternative export route after tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz collapsed due to Iran's actions.
Saudi Arabia claims that 7 million barrels per day (mbpd) of crude oil can flow westward through the pipeline to the port of Yanbu, but current exports are thought to be lower at around 5 mbpd due to infrastructure restraints. Satellite images show that two pumping stations were damaged in the attacks.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of pipelines as strategic targets during war. Despite claims that new pipelines would reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz, this attack shows that such solutions are not foolproof.