Saudi Arabia's Pipeline Hit by Drone Attack as Houthi Forces Gain Ground

Saudi Arabia's critical East-West oil pipeline has been temporarily shut down following a drone attack that originated from Iraqi territory. The attack caused injuries and damage, with several drones striking the system in the Riyadh and Medina regions on Thursday morning.

The 1,200-kilometer pipeline, which runs from the Eastern Province near Abqaiq to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, has become increasingly vital to Riyadh's export strategy as the war between the United States and Iran has severely constrained traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Ship tracking companies and analysts estimate the conduit has been moving 4 to 5 million barrels per day in recent months, representing roughly 4% to 5% of global supply.

The Iraqi government condemned the attacks, describing them as targeting 'the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia' and reaffirming its rejection of any aggression that undermines the kingdom's security and stability. A widescale operation is reportedly underway to identify those responsible for the pipeline strike.