Saudi Pipeline Attack Blamed on Iran-Backed Militias
Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline was shut down after an attack on Friday, which the kingdom blamed on Iran-backed militias in Iraq. The pipeline, built in the 1980s, is a key route for Saudi oil exports, and its disruption comes as tensions with Iran continue to escalate.
The Iraqi government confirmed that the attacks originated from within its territory and pledged to investigate. However, an umbrella group of Iran-backed militias in Iraq denied their involvement, praising the Houthis in Yemen instead for their 'ongoing battlefield victories against Saudi forces.'
The attack on the East-West pipeline comes as the Houthi rebels in Yemen put further pressure on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the southern end of the Red Sea. This strait is a critical waterway, through which around 12% of global trade passes.