Saudi Pipeline Hit by Projectiles as Global Oil Prices Soar
The East-West oil pipeline system in Saudi Arabia was damaged by projectiles on Thursday, according to CNN, citing two U.S. officials familiar with the incident.
The attack occurred near Medina, and satellite imagery showed extensive fire damage at one pumping station and a smaller fire at another. The pipeline itself does not appear to have been physically damaged, but the incident has raised concerns about the security of Saudi oil exports.
The East-West pipeline is a critical route for Saudi Arabia's oil exports, carrying crude from the eastern region to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. This bypasses the Strait of Hormuz, which was closed by Iran during the U.S.-Iran war. The attack comes as Houthis in Yemen have threatened Saudi vessels using the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Saudi authorities have not confirmed who carried out the attack or whether it was linked to Iran-aligned militias in Iraq. Oil prices rose above $100 a barrel this week, and the incident has added to concerns about global oil supplies.