Drone Strike Damages Saudi Oil Pipeline as Gulf States Condemn Escalation

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended operations on its strategically important East-West oil pipeline after several drones launched from Iraqi territory targeted the facility, causing damage and injuries. The pipeline links Abqaiq in eastern Saudi Arabia with Yanbu on the Red Sea and has become increasingly important as regional tensions disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Saudi authorities said the pipeline was shut down as a precaution following the attack, while satellite imagery showed black smoke near Madinah along its route. Iraq’s government confirmed that the attack originated from its territory, condemned the incident and said the commander responsible for the southern province of Maysan had been dismissed.

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Saudi Arabia decided not to retaliate immediately following a request from Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, instead supporting Baghdad’s efforts to prevent further attacks from Iraqi territory. Riyadh nevertheless warned that it reserves the right to take necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, population and energy infrastructure.

Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) condemned the attack, with the GCC calling it a dangerous escalation. The incident comes as oil prices have risen above $100 a barrel and amid growing security concerns in the Red Sea, where Houthi attacks on Saudi-linked shipping have increased the importance of alternative export routes such as the East-West pipeline.