Iraq Grapples with Fallout from Pipeline Attack by Iranian-Backed Militias
The Iraqi government is scrambling to contain the fallout from an attack on a key Saudi pipeline by local Iran-backed militias. The incident occurred when several drones launched from Iraq's Maysan province, near the border with Iran, targeted the East-West pipeline, which 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.
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered an investigation into the province's operations command and dismissed its commander. The Iraqi government confirmed that the attacks had originated from its territory, pledged to investigate, and dismissed a military commander.
The attack has sent global oil prices soaring, with the Houthis' virtual control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait threatening to send prices spiraling even further. The strait is a key shipping lane through which around 12% of global trade passes, including Saudi oil exports that have been doubled from the Red Sea port at the pipeline's end since June.
The Iraqi government has set a September 30 deadline for non-state groups to disarm, but several powerful militias have said they will not comply. The move comes amid mounting pressure on Iraq to prevent local militias from aiding other Iran proxy groups across the region.