Saudi Pipeline Shutdown Sparks Regional Tensions Amid Yemen-Houthi Conflict

Saudi Arabia has temporarily shut down its vital East-West oil pipeline after it was targeted in multiple attacks, injuring several people. The energy ministry stated that specialist teams are working to secure the pipeline and assess its condition.

The attacks occurred on Thursday in the Riyadh and Madinah regions, with Saudi officials blaming drones launched from Iraq for the strike. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi has ordered an investigation into the incident and dismissed a military commander over it.

Riyadh said it will not retaliate for now, following a request from Prime Minister Al Zaidi, but reserved the right to take 'all necessary measures' to protect its sovereignty, security, and critical infrastructure. The East-West pipeline has a capacity of around seven million barrels per day and links oil production facilities in Saudi Arabia's eastern province to the Red Sea port of Yanbu.

The attacks come amid increased tensions in the region, with Saudi Arabia exchanging strikes with Yemen's Houthi rebels earlier this week. The Houthis control much of Yemen's western coastline and several strategic islands near the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a key global shipping route.