Saudi Oil Pipeline Attack Could Take Weeks to Repair

A major Saudi Arabian oil pipeline, the East-West Pipeline, remains offline after an attack last week. The pipeline, which spans 1,200 kilometers and has a capacity of up to 7 million barrels of oil daily, serves as a key route for Saudi oil exports to the Red Sea.

The pipeline's shutdown was attributed to drones operated by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, according to Saudi Arabia. Two regional officials told the Associated Press that repairs could take three to five weeks and include fixing damage to a major pumping facility.

One official noted that the pipeline might operate at partial capacity during the repair period. The East-West Pipeline provides an alternative to shipments through the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf, which has been a point of tension in recent months.