Saudi Pipeline Under Fire as Regional Tensions Escalate

A key oil pipeline system in Saudi Arabia was struck by projectiles on Thursday, sparking fires and forcing it to be shut down as a precautionary measure. The Ministry of Energy said that multiple attacks resulted in a number of injuries.

An early analysis suggested that pump stations, which are located next to the pipeline itself, were hit. Satellite images appear to show extensive fire damage at one pumping station, and a small fire sending up plumes of thick black smoke at another.

The source of the attack was unclear, but US officials have been working to collect intelligence on the incident. One official suggested that drones originating from Iraq may be responsible for the strikes.