Saudi Pipeline Shutdown Puts 4 Million Barrels of Oil Exports at Risk
Saudi Arabia has confirmed that drones launched from Iraq have attacked its East-West pipeline, forcing the kingdom to shut down the main route for bypassing the blocked Strait of Hormuz. The attack occurred on Thursday in the Riyadh and Medina regions, according to the Saudi Energy Ministry.
The ministry stated that their teams are taking necessary measures to secure the pipeline and assess its safety, but have not disclosed the extent of the damage or given a timeline for reopening the line.
Investigations by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's office revealed that the drones originated from Iraq's Maysan province near the Iran border. Baghdad has dismissed a military commander over the incident, and Saudi Arabia has held off on retaliating at Iraq's request, although Riyadh reserves the right to respond later.
The East-West pipeline was Saudi Arabia's primary alternative to Hormuz, but its other option is also under threat as Houthi forces seized Mayyun Island this month, giving them control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The Strait of Hormuz saw fresh violence too, a tanker caught fire there on Sunday, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations Center.