Saudi Arabia has suspended operations on its East-West pipeline after a drone attack in the Riyadh and Madinah regions, with authorities describing the move as a precaution while damage is assessed. The Saudi Press Agency, citing a Ministry of Energy source, said the incident caused injuries and that emergency teams were deployed to secure the pipeline and evaluate its safety.
In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the attack, saying the drones were launched from Iraq. The Kingdom said it had chosen not to respond militarily “at this stage” following a request from the Prime Minister of Iraq, giving Baghdad an opportunity to prevent further attacks originating from Iraqi territory.
Saudi Arabia added that it “reserves its right to take all necessary measures” to protect its sovereignty, critical infrastructure, and the safety of its citizens and residents.
The 1,200km East-West pipeline, linking Saudi Arabia’s eastern oilfields with the Red Sea port of Yanbu, has become increasingly important as an alternative export route to the Strait of Hormuz.
It’s uspension comes as the Houthis’ naval blockade of Saudi Arabia and attacks around the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, alongside broader regional tensions continue to increase risks to Middle Eastern energy infrastructure and global oil supplies.
ℹ️ Financial Times, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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