Saudi Arabia has temporarily shut down its strategically important East-West oil pipeline after multiple drones attacked the pipeline in the Riyadh and Madinah regions, according to Saudi authorities. The attacks caused injuries and damage to the infrastructure.
The 1,200-kilometre East-West Pipeline connects Saudi Arabia’s oil-producing areas in the east with the Red Sea port of Yanbu. It has become particularly important because it provides an alternative route for exporting crude without relying on the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping has been severely disrupted by the wider Middle East conflict.
Saudi Arabia’s Energy Ministry said the pipeline was closed as a precautionary measure while emergency and technical teams secured the affected areas and assessed the damage. The ministry did not provide a specific timeline for when operations would resume.
Saudi officials said the drones originated from Iraq and strongly condemned the attack. Riyadh has so far decided not to launch a military response, following a request from the Iraqi prime minister to allow Baghdad to investigate and take measures to prevent further attacks from Iraqi territory. Saudi Arabia, however, said it reserves the right to take necessary measures to protect its territory and critical infrastructure.
Iraq has condemned the attack and launched an investigation. Iraqi authorities also dismissed a military commander after determining that the drones involved in the attacks had originated from Iraqi territory.
The shutdown comes at a particularly sensitive time for global energy markets. The pipeline has been carrying millions of barrels of crude oil per day and has helped Saudi Arabia maintain exports while shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily restricted.
At the same time, Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen have captured Mayun Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another major maritime chokepoint. The simultaneous disruption of key routes around both the Persian Gulf and Red Sea is increasing concerns over the security of global oil supplies.
Oil prices have already moved above $100 a barrel, reflecting growing concerns about supply disruptions and the possibility of further escalation in the region. Analysts are watching closely to see how long the pipeline remains offline and whether additional attacks target Saudi energy infrastructure.
The latest incident highlights the growing vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure during the ongoing Middle East conflict. Any prolonged disruption could affect oil supplies, transportation costs and energy prices worldwide.
News as Reported.
