Iraq Confirms Drone Attack on Saudi Pipeline Originated from Its Territory
The Iraqi government has confirmed that a drone attack on Saudi Arabia's East-West Crude Oil Pipeline originated from its territory. The incident occurred on September 11 and marks the second time this year that such an attack has taken place.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi said he would form a board to investigate the incident, while the operations commander in Maysan province was removed from his position for failing to prevent the attack. The Iraqi military also temporarily closed border crossings with Iran and found drone launchers.
No groups have claimed responsibility for the attack, but suspicion has fallen on two Iranian-linked groups: the Badr Organization and Harakat Ansar Allah al Awfiya (HAAA). HAAA has been sanctioned by the US, while Badr has not. However, reports suggest that the perpetrators carried out the operation without orders from their commander.