Key Takeaways
- Saudi authorities closed a key oil export route after Iraqi drones launched attacks.
- The attacks caused injuries and damage to the East-West pipeline near Medina.
- Iraqi officials confirmed the attacks originated from their territory and condemned the attacks.
Saudi Arabia has temporarily halted a crucial oil export pipeline after being targeted by Iraqi drones, according to official statements.
The East-West pipeline, which connects Abqaiq near the Gulf to the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea, was stopped as a precaution following the attacks.
The Saudi foreign ministry condemned the attacks, stating that several drones launched from Iraq caused human injuries and damage.
An energy ministry official told SPA news agency that the pipeline was stopped due to the attacks, resulting in some injuries.
Satellite images from Copernicus Sentinel Data taken on Thursday showed black smoke near Madina, along the route of the East-West pipeline.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s office confirmed the attack originated from Iraqi territory and dismissed the commander in charge of the southern province of Maysan.
The Iraqi government condemned the attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, stating that they originated from a location within the governorate.
Riyadh stated that it had chosen not to respond at this stage and to support the Iraqi government’s efforts to prevent attacks from Iraq.
Bahrain, Jordan, and Qatar also condemned the attack, while the Gulf Cooperation Council denounced the attacks as a dangerous escalation.
Oil prices have climbed above $100 a barrel this week, while average US diesel prices topped $6 for the first time on Friday.
