Saudi Arabia Closes East-West Pipeline After Drone Attacks from Iraq

Saudi Arabia closed its East-West pipeline on September 11 after multiple drone attacks in Riyadh and Medina provinces. The pipeline, which carries up to five million barrels of oil a day, bypasses the Strait of Hormuz and connects Saudi Arabia's eastern fields to its Red Sea export terminal.

The closure was announced by the Saudi Ministry of Energy, citing precautionary measures following the drone attacks. Satellite imagery showed fires at pumping stations along the pipeline.

The attacks were blamed on drones launched from Iraq, which resulted in injuries and some damage. The Saudi government chose not to respond immediately, instead supporting efforts by the Iraqi government to prevent future attacks.