Saudi Pipeline Attack Sparks Crackdown on Iranian-Backed Militias in Iraq

A drone attack on Saudi Arabia's East-West Crude Oil Pipeline has forced Baghdad to take action against Iran-backed militias operating from its territory.

The pipeline, which can transport up to 5 million barrels of crude a day, was temporarily shut down after multiple drone attacks on September 10. Satellite imagery showed fires at pumping stations along the route.

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Energy described the shutdown as a precautionary measure, while the Saudi Foreign Ministry said the attacks were carried out by 'several drones launched from Iraq', causing injuries and damage.

Following the attack, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi condemned the incident and ordered an investigation into security failures in Maysan province. He also dismissed the commander of the Maysan Operations Command and the provincial police chief, and transferred other security officials pending the investigation.