Saudi Pipeline To Reopen Within Days After Drone Attack Damage

A major oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia is expected to resume operations within days after being shut down due to a drone attack by Iran-backed militias. The attack caused significant damage to the pipeline, which is crucial for Saudi Arabia's oil exports, especially with the ongoing U.S. war with Iran causing a near halt to oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

The pipeline, operated by Saudi Aramco, serves as an alternate route to export oil, bypassing the strait. The closure has affected up to 4% of the global oil supply, leading to a surge in oil prices and global inflation.

Satellite images released showed extensive damage to a pumping station on the 1,200km pipeline, which runs from the Abqaiq oilfield to the Yanbu port on the Red Sea. The Saudi energy ministry has not commented on the report or the extent of the damage.