Saudi Arabia Hits Pause on Retaliation After Drone Attack Launched from Iraq

The Saudi Foreign Ministry announced on Friday that a drone attack on its East-West Pipeline was carried out from Iraq, resulting in injuries and damage. The ministry condemned the attack, stating that it was launched at the request of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, who had asked the kingdom to refrain from retaliating.

The Saudi Ministry of Energy reported that the pipeline, which transports crude oil from the eastern fields to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, was shut down as a precautionary measure after being subjected to multiple attacks earlier in the day.

According to the ministry, the attack occurred in the central Riyadh region and western Medina region, resulting in injuries. Emergency teams responded promptly to secure the pipeline and assess its safety in coordination with relevant authorities.