Saudi Pipeline Damaged by Drone Strike Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
A key oil pipeline system in Saudi Arabia was hit by projectiles on Thursday, according to two US officials familiar with the matter. The attack damaged pump stations next to the pipeline and caused extensive fire damage at one pumping station.
It's not clear who was responsible for the strikes or if sections of the pipeline itself were damaged, but one official said it was struck by drones originating from Iraq.
The incident signals that Saudi Arabia's oil resources are facing increasing threats as the Iran War continues. Oil prices surged past $100 a barrel amid sharp swings driven by events in the Middle East.
Repairing pump stations could be less burdensome than repairing major damage to the pipeline itself, according to US officials and experts.