Iraqi drones force Saudi Arabia to close major oil pipeline
Drones launched from Iraq damaged the East-West pipeline. Saudi Arabia temporarily shut the facility in the Riyadh and Medina regions.
A major oil pipeline linked Saudi Arabia's Gulf facilities to its Red Sea export port. Drones from Iraq hit it on Thursday and it was temporarily closed.
The foreign ministry said several drones targeted the East-West pipeline. The attack caused injuries and damage.
An energy ministry official said the closure was precautionary. Saudi Arabia said it will not immediately retaliate after Iraq's prime minister made a request.
Saudi Arabia warned it reserves the right to protect its sovereignty and facilities. An Iraqi military commander was dismissed after investigations confirmed the drones came from Iraqi territory.
The pipeline became crucial after Saudi Arabia increased its use to bypass Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Exports via the Red Sea port reached more than 5 million barrels a day by June.
- East-West pipeline
- Pipeline name
- 5 million barrels a day by June
- Daily exports
- Thursday morning
- Attack date
- Maysan province, southern Iraq
- Commander's region
Why it mattersThe pipeline closure affects global oil supplies during an already tense Middle East conflict. This could push energy prices higher worldwide.
AustraliaAustralia imports oil and faces higher petrol and diesel costs if Middle East tensions continue disrupting energy supplies and shipping through key waterways.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 13 d ago
