Saudi Arabia Suspends East-West Oil Pipeline Operations After Drone Attack from Iraqi Territory. It Carries 5% of World Oil
Saudi Arabia has temporarily halted operations of one of the region's most important oil pipelines, the "East-West" pipeline, after a drone attack launched from Iraqi territory. This pipeline allows Riyadh to transport oil bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. According to estimates, it carries between 4% and 5% of the world's oil volume, Reuters writes .
The incident occurred amid a large-scale offensive by Iranian-backed Yemeni Houthis along the Red Sea coast. The Houthis are seeking to gain control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait — another key route for oil transportation from the Middle East.
Iraqi authorities confirmed that the drones were launched from Maysan province, which borders Iran. Following the attack, one of the Iraqi military commanders responsible for operations in that province was relieved of his post. Baghdad stated that it is investigating the incident.
Saudi authorities called the suspension of pipeline operations a precautionary measure. However, satellite images showed traces of fire near a pumping station near Al-Mesbaa, as well as thick smoke in the area of another station near Al-Dekri.
The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that there were casualties and material damage as a result of the attack. Their scale is still being assessed.
Riyadh stated that it does not currently plan retaliatory strikes and intends to support Iraq's efforts aimed at preventing similar attacks in the future. At the same time, Saudi Arabia reserves the right to take necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security, oil infrastructure, and population.
The "East-West" pipeline, approximately 1200 km long, connects the Abqaiq oil field with the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea coast. It is used as an alternative route for Saudi oil exports when transportation through the Strait of Hormuz becomes impossible.
The importance of this route has increased after the US-Iran war virtually halted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Previously, about a fifth of the world's oil flow passed through it.
The attack was also condemned by the Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait. The organization's Secretary-General, Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, called the attack a dangerous escalation and a threat to Saudi Arabia's territorial integrity and vital facilities.
Meanwhile, the situation around the Bab al-Mandab Strait is also escalating. This week, the Houthis, as a result of a rapid offensive in Yemen, gained control of most of the country's coast. According to Reuters sources in the Yemeni government, on September 11, they reached Perim Island — a strategically important point that allows control over the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
The confrontation between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis escalated in July. At that time, Riyadh struck an airport in the Houthi-controlled capital of Yemen to prevent the landing of an Iranian plane with high-ranking Houthi representatives returning from the funeral of Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei.
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