Iraq Faces Pressure to Contain Fallout from Drone Strikes on Key Saudi Pipeline
The recent drone strikes on Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline have put Iraq under pressure to contain the fallout.
The attacks, which were found to have originated from within Iraqi territory, forced Saudi Arabia to shut down the pipeline as a precautionary measure.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi has fired the operations commander of Maysan province and ordered an investigation into the incident, which has raised concerns about the country's ability to control its Iran-backed militias.
The East-West pipeline is a crucial lifeline for Saudi Arabia's oil exports, particularly since disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The 7 million barrel-a-day conduit quickly reached full capacity earlier this year after tanker traffic came to a near standstill in the Strait.