Iraq Faces Pressure After Iranian-Backed Militias Accused of Attacking Saudi Pipeline

Iraq's government is facing mounting pressure to prevent local Iran-backed militias from attacking Saudi interests after they were accused of shutting down a key pipeline in the kingdom. The Iraqi government confirmed that the attacks originated from its territory and pledged to investigate, while also dismissing a military commander. This development comes as the Iran-backed Houthi rebels are making gains in Yemen's west coast, threatening the fragile truce that has largely halted the civil war since 2022.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry blamed several drones that came from Iraq for attacking the East-West Pipeline, but said they would not retaliate to give the Iraqi government an opportunity to take necessary measures. The pipeline, built in the 1980s, has played a crucial role in Saudi Arabia's ability to export oil since the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz during the Iran war.

Tehran-backed Iraqi militias have carried out strikes on US-linked targets inside and outside of Iraq since the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. They have also coordinated with Yemen's Houthi rebels to attack Saudi Arabia, which has led to a surge in fighting that threatens to reignite the civil war.

The UN migration agency reported that over 46,000 people have fled their homes due to the conflict in the past week alone, highlighting the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Yemen. The Iraqi government's deadline for non-state groups to disarm is September 30, but several powerful militias have said they will not comply.