Saudi Arabian oil pipeline system hit by projectiles triggering fires
- On Thursday, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Energy shut down its East-West pipeline as a "precautionary measure" following drone strikes in the Riyadh and Medina regions that caused injuries and facility damage.
- Iraqi authorities and Saudi officials confirmed the drones originated from Iraqi territory, prompting Saudi Arabia to hold back on immediate retaliation to allow Baghdad time to investigate the assault.
- Satellite imagery from NASA and NOAA instruments confirmed fire damage at pumping stations along the 1,200-kilometre pipeline, which normally transports 4 million to 5 million barrels of crude daily.
- Meanwhile, Houthi forces seized Yemen's port city of Mokha and Perim Island, tightening control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital shipping lane already strained by regional conflict.
- Oil prices surged above $100 per barrel this week as the pipeline closure and Houthi blockade heighten fears of a supply bottleneck, threatening global fuel supplies during the conflict.
421 Articles
421 Articles
Saudi Arabia shuts down East-West oil pipeline after drone attack from Iraq
Saudi Pipeline Attacked: Ripple Effects on Global Oil | Science-Environment
Saudi Arabia's vital East-West pipeline has been shut following a drone attack originating from Iraq amidst an escalating Middle East conflict. The attack strains global oil supplies, particularly as Iran-backed Houthis advance in Yemen's strategic Red Sea region. Saudi Arabia seeks U.S. aid to stabilize the situation.
A drone attack on Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure has prompted authorities to temporarily suspend operations on the East-West pipeline as a precaution. The attack took place on Thursday morning in the Riyadh and Medina regions, and the incident risks putting further pressure on the global oil market, amid the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
Artifacts from Iraq have hit the infrastructure, which transports about seven million barrels a day
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
