Saudi Arabia's Energy Ministry said it has shut down the kingdom's East-West pipeline as a precautionary measure after the line was struck by multiple drone attacks launched from Iraq. The pipeline, which runs through the Riyadh and Medina regions, carries approximately seven million barrels of crude oil a day.
In a statement, the ministry said the pipeline was "the target of multiple attacks on Thursday morning" and was closed as a precaution. It said the attacks left several people injured, who received medical assistance.
Foreign Ministry Confirms Drone Strikes
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry said shortly afterward that the attack was carried out using several drones launched from Iraq, causing damage that is currently being repaired.
Saudi diplomacy condemned the attack. It said that, following a request from Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to give the Iraqi government an opportunity to take the necessary steps to prevent attacks launched from Iraqi territory against the kingdom and neighbouring countries, Saudi Arabia had chosen not to respond at this stage.
Riyadh added, however, that it "reserves the right to adopt all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security, facilities, citizens and residents."
Iraq Condemns Attacks, Orders Investigation
The Iraqi government condemned the attacks and praised what it called the kingdom's positive response to Iraq's efforts to contain the situation, according to Iraq's official news agency, INA.
Baghdad said Al-Zaidi had ordered an urgent investigation into the circumstances of the attacks and those responsible, and instructed that legal action be taken against anyone whose involvement is proven.
Pattern of Attacks From Iraqi Territory
Saudi Arabia has previously reported attacks launched from Iraqi territory by pro-Iranian militias against oil facilities in Riyadh and the kingdom's Eastern Region. At the end of July, Saudi Arabia carried out a joint military offensive with the United States in response to such attacks.
What the Petroline Pipeline Carries
The East-West pipeline, also known as Petroline, is a strategic piece of infrastructure that crosses Saudi Arabia from the oil fields in the east, on the Persian Gulf, to the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea. It stretches roughly 1,200 kilometres and has a maximum capacity of seven million barrels a day.
Its importance lies in allowing Saudi Arabia to export crude oil while avoiding the Strait of Hormuz. Amid tensions in that waterway, the kingdom has increased its use of the pipeline to divert exports to Yanbu and reduce the impact of blockades and restrictions in the strait.
