Saudi Arabia Shuts Key Oil Pipeline After Drone Attacks

Saudi Arabia has temporarily shut down its major East-West oil pipeline as a precaution after the conduit came under aerial attack. The pipeline spans 1,200 kilometres across the Arabian Peninsula to bypass the effectively blocked Strait of Hormuz.

The strikes hit the pipeline in the Riyadh and Medina regions on Thursday. According to the Saudi foreign ministry, the drone attack caused damage and several injuries, though no group has claimed responsibility yet.

Saudi and Iraqi officials stated that the drones originated from Iraq, where Iran-backed militias operate. In response to the attack, Iraq dismissed a military commander on Saturday, while Saudi authorities announced they will give Iraqi officials time to take action against the attackers.

The shutdown further pressures global energy supplies as Houthi rebels in Yemen tighten control over Red Sea shipping lanes. The pipeline has recently moved between 4 million and 5 million barrels per day, accounting for roughly 4% to 5% of global supply.