Saudi Pipeline Halted by Drone Attack in Iraq

Saudi Arabia has temporarily shut down its East-West pipeline due to a drone attack that originated in Iraq, where Iranian-backed militias operate.

The pipeline, which spans over 1,200km, serves as the main route for global supplies of West Asian oil and has been moving 4 million to 5 million barrels per day, accounting for 4% to 5% of global supply.

Baghdad and Riyadh both attributed the attack to Iraq, where a military commander was dismissed on Saturday after the incident. There is no immediate claim of responsibility from any group.

The shutdown comes as the world's largest crude oil exporter tries to mitigate the effects of the ongoing West Asia war, which has already disrupted other Gulf oil and gas exporters.