DST News: Saudi Arabia has temporarily shut a major oil pipeline after it was targeted by drones launched from Iraq, in the latest escalation of the widening conflict in the Middle East.
Iraq has acknowledged that the attack on Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline originated from Maysan province, which borders Iran. Baghdad has removed the province’s military operations commander from his post and launched an investigation into the incident.
The 1,200-kilometre (745-mile) East-West pipeline is strategically important to Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest crude oil exporter, as it provides an alternative route for transporting oil without relying on the Strait of Hormuz.
Saudi authorities said on Friday that the pipeline had been closed as a precaution after the drone strike caused damage and injuries. The extent of the damage is still being assessed. Satellite imagery showed scorched areas and smoke near the site of the attack.
According to Reuters, citing ship-tracking companies and energy analysts, the pipeline has been carrying an estimated 4% to 5% of global oil supplies. Its closure could therefore add to concerns about disruptions to international energy markets.
Saudi Arabia has so far decided against retaliating, following a call from Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani. Riyadh said it would support efforts by the Iraqi government to prevent attacks launched from Iraqi territory against neighbouring countries.
However, Saudi Arabia warned that it reserves the right to take “all necessary measures” to protect its sovereignty, security, oil facilities and citizens.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), comprising Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar, condemned the attack, describing it as a serious escalation and a threat to Saudi Arabia’s security and vital infrastructure.
The incident comes as the Iran-backed Houthi movement has made significant gains in Yemen. The group has reportedly seized control of large parts of the country’s coastline and claims authority over the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a strategically important maritime route linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
The Houthis have said that maritime navigation remains safe for most shipping companies, but warned that Saudi vessels would be excluded from that assurance.
The combination of attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure and growing Houthi control around key maritime routes is raising fresh concerns about global oil supplies, shipping costs and energy prices.
